Yorkshire Cancer Research opens doors to new Ripon charity shop

Yorkshire Cancer Research opens the doors of its new charity shop in Ripon.

The shop was officially opened by Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Cancer Research and Professor Mat Callister, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Professor Callister leads the charity’s Leeds Lung Health Check programme, which finds lung cancer at a very early stage, allowing those diagnosed to receive treatment that may save their life.

The opening included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, as well as the chance for visitors to explore everything the new shop has to offer.

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research said: “The opening of our new shop in Ripon represents the next step in our ambition to see the charity’s name on every high street in Yorkshire. After months of preparation, as well as the setbacks experienced during the coronavirus pandemic, we are thrilled to be finally welcoming customers through the doors.

“Yorkshire Cancer Research is an important part of the fabric of our region. It’s essential that we do as much as we can to reduce the impact of cancer. Our network of shops will bring in vital funds to help support pioneering research that will help prevent cancer, ensure the earliest possible diagnosis and improve access to the very best treatments.”

The cathedral city shop is the fourth addition to the charity’s retail network, joining high street stores in Tadcaster, Knaresborough and Northallerton. It is expected to raise £100,000 a year to help fund life-changing research across Yorkshire.

The shop will sell a wide range of items including clothing and children’s toys and games, as well as bric-a-brac and items for the home. The large premises also means that for the first time, the charity will be able to accept and sell donations of small furniture and household items.

Not only will the new shop allow Yorkshire Cancer Research to continue its life-saving work, but it will also help address environmental concerns by enabling people in Ripon to buy second-hand and sustainably dispose of unwanted items.

Yorkshire Cancer Research has been a part of the Ripon community for many years. The charity’s Ripon Volunteer Group has raised more than £500,000 since its formation in 1975.

The volunteers were keen to introduce a charity shop to the city and plan to work together with the new shop to promote and fundraise for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Bridget Taylor-Connor, Chair of the Ripon Volunteer Group, said: “We pride ourselves on being part of the local community, and we know that the work that Yorkshire Cancer Research does is incredibly important in encouraging diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the region.

“Having a shop will really help fundraise for the charity, and we’re delighted with the opening of the new premises.”

People in Yorkshire are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than elsewhere in England, and the funds raised through the opening of the new shop will play a key role in helping to reduce the impact of cancer in the region.

The shop will be run by manager Karla Puleston and deputy shop manager Nadya Shepherd, who will head a team of volunteers.

Karla said:

“I’m excited to be working for Yorkshire Cancer Research because it means I can give back to the local community, and I really believe in the work the charity funds.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, or would like to donate clean, quality items, please visit the Ripon shop or find out more on our website.

Opening times

Mon - Sat: 9am-4pm
Sun: 10am-4pm