Find a designer bargain at charity treasure hunt

Designer creations from some of the biggest names in the fashion world will arrive at Cancer Research UK shops as part of the Tatler Treasure Hunt.

For two weeks, shoes, scarves, clothes, handbags and other stunning creations will be hidden in stores, alongside items regularly donated by the local community.

The campaign sees Tatler magazine join forces with the fashion elite to donate pieces which will be sold in the charity’s shops, for a fraction of their usual price.

The exclusive items will be dropped off at random so shoppers are being encouraged to keep popping into their local store for the chance to snap them up.

Each of the influential designers have pledged to donate one piece a season for three seasons to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

Last season, eagle-eyed nursing student Mina Thapa, 26, spotted a Mulberry handbag worth over £1,100 in the Guildford Cancer Research UK shop and snapped it up for a bargain £100. She said: “The day I got my lucky dress, I was just walking past the shop, decided to pop in and spotted it. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. What’s more, it’s wonderful to know that the money raised is funding vital research, which is helping more people beat cancer.”

Lynn Daly, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South East said: “Our charity shops are full of amazing hidden gems and thanks to the Tatler Treasure Hunt this has never been more true.

“We hope the treasure hunt inspires charity shoppers old and new to visit their local Cancer Research UK shop, rummage through the rails and see what treats can be found.

“The money raised from these generous gifts will help fund life-saving research to help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

Contributing designers include Alberta Ferretti, Anya Hindmarch, Belstaff, Bulgari, Chanel, Charlotte Olympia, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Daks, Diane von Furstenburg, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, Fendi, Hugo Boss, Jenny Packham, Jimmy Choo, Maje, Manolo Blahnik, Matthew Williamson, Miu Miu, Moschino, Nicholas Kirkwood, Paul Smith, Ports 1961, Prada, Pringle, Ralph Lauren, Roksanda Ilincic, Roland Mouret, Rupert Sanderson, Stella McCartney, Temperley, Tod’s and Tommy Hilfiger.

Kate Reardon, Editor of Tatler and long term supporter of the charity said: “Everyone knows you can find great bargains in Cancer Research UK shops. Now, thanks to the support and enthusiasm of the world’s top designers, those bargains come with big labels.”

Cancer Research UK receives no Government funding for its ground-breaking research. So money raised through its shops is crucial to the work of doctors, nurses and scientists who are fighting cancer on all fronts.

The charity relies on the generosity of its supporters to keep its shops stocked and is always in need of good quality donations of clothes, shoes, bags, homeware, books, CDs and DVDs.

Cancer Research UK has nearly 600 high street shops across the UK, with all profits going to the charity’s life-saving work.

For more information on the Treasure Hunt or to find the nearest Cancer Research UK shop, visit www.cruk.org/treasurehunt

Report and picture contributed by Cancer Research UK.