Melton charity shop reopens with appeal from teenaged volunteer

After three months of devastating closures, Cancer Research UK stores are getting back to business to tackle a shortfall in funding caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Melton, 19-year-old Breidh Wharton, has helped create a captivating video to reassure people about the safety measures implemented in the Market Place store.

Breidh, who is about to start a media production course at Brooksby College, began volunteering a year ago after quitting education with mental health and anxiety issues. But she says the shop has given her a new-found confidence.

“The first day I walked in the shop my anxiety was through the roof,” said Breidh. “I was so nervous. I’d left college early and I found I was lost.

“I started one-day-a-week, but I loved it so much I gradually built up my confidence and my hours, and now they can’t get rid of me. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given that I wanted to help create the video to give something back.”

With its shops typically contributing more than £25m every year to vital research, Cancer Research UK has suffered a dramatic loss of income since they were forced to close temporarily at the end of March.

Highlighting the scale of the funding gap, the call to support shops across the region coincides with the launch of an urgent new TV appeal to help get the charity’s life-saving work back on track.

“Our community is a key part of this effort, so we’re following strict measures to ensure people can shop, volunteer and donate goods safely,” said Breidh.

“These include social distancing, hand sanitiser stations, cough guards at till points, face coverings, additional cleaning and a 72-hour quarantine period for donated items.”

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Cancer Research UK currently funds about 50 per cent of all cancer research in the UK.

Shop manager Eva Katarba said: “To save lives tomorrow, we need the public’s support today. Covid-19 has hit us hard and after three long months we’re delighted to be able to welcome new and familiar faces back through our doors again, as well as a host of new donations.

“Our shops are full of new and pre-loved items, fashion one-offs and homeware treasures – particularly after lockdown clear-outs. As well as being sold at bargain prices, every sale helps to fund our work. But right now, clinical trials are being postponed and we’re having to delay vital research.

“That’s why we’re asking our customers to do what they can. Whether they shop, donate goods or volunteer their time – all are essential to help us keep making breakthroughs for people with cancer.”