Arthur Rank Hospice’s first Charity Shop celebrates 30 years!

• 7 May 2025

On Friday 2 May 2025, Arthur Rank Hospice’s Regent Street Charity shop in Cambridge celebrated 30 years of welcoming customers through their doors!

Shop Manager, Helen Sheppard who has been working at the shop for over 15 years, joined celebrations at the shop along with Janice Doyle, Part time Regent Street Shop Manager, Jodie Vaughan, Income Generation and Communications Director, Joan Smyth, Head of Retail, Nicola Scrivings, Trustee, Hannah Touhey, Voluntary Services Manager and other colleagues, supporters, volunteers and customers.

They all enjoyed a piece of commemorative cake which was kindly made and donated by Brenda Evans, a long serving volunteer for the Charity.

The City Centre shop which opened in 1995, was the first of nine retail outlets for the Charity, which are also situated in Burleigh Street, Mill Road, Cottenham, Ely, Great Shelford, March and their Retail Hub and Outlet in Pampisford. All proceeds from the shops keep the Charity’s services free for patients in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end of life care. It will cost over £14 million this year, for the Charity to care for patients and their families at the Hospice in Shelford Bottom, the Alan Hudson Centre in Wisbech and in their own homes, via the Hospice at Home team in the community. Helen explained more about her role:

“I look forward to going to work each day and it makes us happy when we hear customers tell us it’s their favourite charity shop, we know then that all the hard work pays off.
Between myself and the Assistant Manager, Janice Doyle and our fabulous team of volunteers, we keep the shop up and running – ready to accept and sort donations, fill the rails with superb high-end clothing, accessories, jewellery, books, bric a brac and records.

Our customers are typically Cambridge University students, visitors to the City and local Cityfolk, who have all found a treasure, a new outfit or a fancy hat to wear to the races! There is always a warm welcome when they drop by 30 Regent Street.”

Janice added:

“When I come to work I never know how the day will be, no two days are the same.
When donations come through the door it can be quite surprising what you will find.
We have regular customers who enjoy coming into their favourite charity shop for a browse but also to enjoy a chat – sometimes you need to be a good listener. Together, with our wonderful team of volunteers we ensure the shop is friendly and welcoming.”

The shop is open Monday – Saturday from 9:30am-5pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm for you to buy or donate pre-loved items. If you have a number of donations please telephone 01223 462452.

If you would like to volunteer for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity please visit arhc.org.uk/volunteer, email volunteer@arhc.org.uk or telephone 01223 675872.