St Oswald’s Hospice reveal new flagship charity shop on Gosforth High Street

North East charity, St Oswald’s Hospice, has opened a new flagship charity shop on Gosforth High Street, a stone’s throw from where they provide outstanding, specialist care to babies, children and adults with progressive life-limiting conditions.

With sleek charcoal fittings, rustic wooden accessories and fun signage thanks to an exciting collaboration with popular illustrator, James Dixon, from Lines Behind, the new and improved store looks anything but your traditional charity shop.

Stocking men’s and women’s fashion, accessories, games and homeware, the new store offers customers an expansive selection to shop from. Donating re-sellable pre-loved goods has never been easier thanks to the shops bright and colourful donation hatch.

Steph Edusei, Chief Executive of St Oswald’s Hospice, said: “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a loyal support base in Gosforth and our shop on Gosforth High Street has always been busy and bustling with generous donors and customers.

“We’re passionate about and committed to offering our supporters a high-end shopping experience with a low price tag. Not only can shoppers bag a bargain, but they can also feel reassured that 100% of the profits made in-store goes directly towards supporting local people with life-limiting conditions.”

As well as benefiting the charity, St Oswald’s Hospice’s shops are also an important asset to local High Streets. Anita Ball, Director of Income and Marketing added: “Unlike other high street retailers, the charity retail sector is growing as more people are choosing to shop second-hand to reduce the negative impact the fashion industry has on the planet.

“Our new shop doesn’t feel like your classic charity shop. It’s bright, modern, and has a trendy, boutique feel. We hope the shop’s aesthetic will encourage even more people to shop second-hand and help us save unwanted items from ending up in landfill.”

The shop was officially opened on Wednesday, 28 August by Chief Executive, Steph Edusei and Shop Manager, Marc Riley, alongside Gosforth local Dianne Hughes, who has been volunteering at the Hospice since her husband, Bob, sadly passed away there in August 2022 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Reflecting on the “exceptional” care Bob received, Dianne said: “Bob’s room was lovely. It overlooked the pond and the beautiful, peaceful garden area. He settled straight away and told me he had been given a Guinness on his first evening.”

As Bob’s condition deteriorated, Dianne didn’t want to leave his side. She slept in his room on a visitor’s bed until he died peacefully, with Dianne holding his hand: “I feel so blessed to have met and married Bob, but more importantly, he got his wish to pass in such a wonderful place.”

The expanded shop will help to raise even more money for the charity, ensuring that thousands of local people and families across the North East—including those from Gosforth, like Dianne and Bob—can receive outstanding and compassionate care at St Oswald’s Hospice.

Earlier this month the charity unveiled a revamped bookshop on Gosforth High Street, which has seen record-breaking sales. Marc Riley, the Shop Manager, said: “The launch of our new bookshop has had a great response from customers, they are particularly loving our children’s book corner and range of vinyl. I can’t wait for supporters to visit our new main shop and discover all the second-hand treasures it has to offer!

“As our shops grow, so must our volunteer team. We’re now looking for enthusiastic people to help with serving customers, sorting donations, and ensuring that every visitor enjoys a fantastic experience.”

St Oswald’s Hospice’s new flagship charity shop is located at 189 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 1HE and is open Monday to Saturday: 9am – 4.30pm. The charity bookshop is located at 181-183 High Street and opens Monday to Saturday: 9am – 4.30pm.

28/08/2024 19:03