A WOMAN who helped set up the first charity shop for Hospice at Home has cut the ribbon on its latest store in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Hospice at Home, Gwynedd and Anglesey has merged with St David’s Hospice and staff and volunteers joined together with the local Blaenau Ffestiniog community to celebrate the opening of a new shop (pictured right).

The shop relocated from Church Street to the High Street last week and the ribbon was cut by Helen Richards, the Blaenau Ffestiniog shop’s longest serving volunteer.

Helen, from Glan Ffestiniog instigated the opening of the first charity shop 12 years ago.

She said: “When I had breast cancer I had the benefit of the Hospice at Home service. The care they provide is so important to the local community. I wanted to be able to give back and raise funds.”

The organisation has 24 shops across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey.

They are a vital source of income for the charity, helping to provide deliver free, high-quality, specialist palliative care to patients with advanced illnesses, their family and carers from north west Wales.

Janet Magill, hospice administrator said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all those who shop with us, also to those who donate goods as we are completely reliant on donations from the public and most importantly the strong team of volunteers who dedicate their time and enthusiasm free of charge. Thank you”.

See this week’s north editions, in shops and online on Thursday