Helen and Douglas House, a children’s hospice based in Oxford but supporting babies and children with life shortening or terminal illness and their families throughout our local area, has opened a shop at 114 High Street. The shop is the latest of 24 shops to open and to raise vital funds for the hospice.
Manda Maskens-Marsh, Manager of the Marlborough shop, said, “Thank you to the Marlborough community for making us feel so welcome. We’ve had a really successful start and we hope to see many more people coming in to support us.”
The shop is spacious, with many historic features. Residents who have lived here for more than 20 years will remember it once housed Ducks Toy Shop and latterly Susie Watson. Now it has a boutique feel with a very good selection of favourite brand clothes such as Boden, Joules, Ralph Lauren as well as home accessories and books. There is a changing room, chairs for weary shoppers and even doggy treats. “Many people don’t realise it’s a charity shop,” commented Manda.
Manda is still recruiting volunteers and is particularly looking for people who are happy to work weekends and to work the till. “The kettle is always on for volunteers, and in this hot weather so is the air conditioning,” explained Manda. “Do pop in the shop and speak to me if you are able to volunteer with us.”
Donations of high quality clothing, homeware, accessories, books and toys are also welcome. The Marlborough shop will be open every day of the week.
Kerry Locke, who also works in the shop, told marlborough.news, “It’s been great joining such a local charity. Funds are so important for the hospice.”
Helen & Douglas House opened in November 1982, when Helen House and the children’s hospice movement was founded by Sister Frances Dominica. As the world’s first children’s hospice, Helen House has gone on to inspire 54 others across the UK and around the world.
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