Shoreham charity shop welcomes MP’s support for cancer patients

He was able to visit the Cancer Research UK charity shop, in East Street, just before the second lockdown, having been invited by manager Vicky Rickman.

The aim was to show support for cancer patients and highlight the charity’s Shoulder to Shoulder Against Cancer campaign, calling for more funding for the NHS to target the disease.

Vicky said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has shown, once again, the life-saving role of our NHS staff and how valiantly they rise to every challenge. However, as a result of Covid-19, queues for cancer treatment and screening have lengthened.

“Cancer Research UK is asking the government to help rebuild our NHS cancer workforce through more funding in the Spending Review.

“We were lucky enough to have a visit from Tim Loughton to help raise awareness for funding and cancer appointments.”

Funds at Cancer Research UK, like all medical research charities, have been devastated by Covid 19, resulting in a cut in research investment.

When the first national lockdown ended in June, the chain of nearly 600 stores reopened and staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to help rebuild the income.

Vicky said she and her team were grateful for the tremendous support of the Shoreham community, with many volunteers giving their time freely, supporters giving wonderful donations and customers enthusiastic about changes made so they could shop safely.

Mr Loughton said: “It is vital that anyone with worrying symptoms contacts their GP swiftly to get advice and be referred if appropriate.

“Treatment and care should continue as normal, as the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals were treating Covid patients and Southlands Hospital could give support to those with cancer.

“It is motivating to see how the local community has interacted with the Cancer Research UK shop here in the high street and I am inspired by all they do to raise funds to prevent and treat cancer.”

As with all non-essential retailers, the Cancer Research UK store will be closed until the end of lockdown but Vicky and her team are looking forward to welcoming back all their loyal supporters.

Vicky said: “Obviously the second lockdown has impacted Cancer Research UK as far as not being open and able to raise vital funds needed, and will continue to do so.

“After the first lockdown, we had a positive response from Shoreham and great support for both sales and fundraising, in fact we exceeded pre-Covid sales.

“We are hopeful that on our reopening on Thursday, December 3, Shoreham will once again show their support for Cancer Research UK.

“On a personal note, I am really looking forward, with my team of wonderful staff and volunteers, who have also been impacted, to reopen permanently and in due time get back to normal.”

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