Charity boss hits back at Midhurst ‘second hand town’ claims

Yvonne O’Connor, the area manager for Cancer Research UK in Sussex and Surrey, responded after the Observer last week reported town councillors claimed charity shops could turn Midhurst into a ‘second-hand town’.

This comes after Chichester District Council agreed to rent its former offices in North Street to a charity shop.

Meanwhile, district and county councillor Gordon McAra said the former Frasers shop just doors away was to become a St Wilfrid’s Hospice store – taking the number of charity shops in the town from four to six.

But Yvonne has hit back at the ‘criticism’.

“There has been some criticism of charity shops in Midhurst recently,” she said.

“Cancer Research UK has a paid manager, it pays business rates and it is entirely a shop for the local town.

“Not only does it give customers quality and value, but most importantly, it helps fund life-saving research which will ultimately help people in Midhurst and beyond.

“Every donation made and every purchase made here goes towards helping Cancer Research UK prevent, diagnose and treat all 200 types of cancer.

“We think that is a vitally important role in any community.

“The shop in Midhurst has a vintage section at present and is helping our customers get their outfits together for the Goodwood Revival.

“All our garments have been donated by local supporters who love seeing their treasured items getting a new lease of life.

“In store, we have clothes for both men and women, vintage handbags and interesting hats and caps.

“Keeping the store stocked and displayed professionally with vintage and all the other items is a challenge.

“Fortunately the shop manager and assistant manager are supported by a wonderful team of volunteers.

“Many of our volunteers have close relatives who have survived cancer and they give their time freely in order to give something back to a charity that is focused on curing this disease.

“Our store is very welcoming and we would be happy to see you whether you are a customer, 
a donor, a would-be volunteer or just want to know more about our latest research.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidhurstandPetworthObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.