A NEW charity shop is calling on residents to support it in raising funds for life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases, after it opened its doors yesterday.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) finally opened its new shop in Keswick on December 2, after plans to open the shop last month were put on hold due to the second lockdown across England.

The charity says it is ‘thrilled’ to finally open the shop, which is located on Museum Square, as it seeks to recover from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 crisis on its income.

The BHF hopes the local community will show their support by donating good quality items or popping in to snap up a bargain.

Following the temporary closure of the BHF’s 730 shops and stores across the UK earlier this year and the more recent English lockdown, the charity estimates the crisis has been costing it around £10 million a month.

The BHF Keswick shop has measures in place to keep staff, volunteers and customers safe. Customers will be asked to social distance on the shop floor, all staff and volunteers have been provided with protective equipment, and a contact free donation point has been set up.

In line with Government advice, all donations given to the BHF will be rested for 48 hours before being placed on the shop floor. 

Kathryn Haunch, area manager at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to be opening our doors to the Keswick community. We want to encourage as many people as possible to come and see the great bargains on offer. Every item sold will help the BHF fund life saving research. Now, more than ever, we urgently need public support so we can continue to support the charity’s important work. 

“If you’re still looking to donate items you have been clearing out during lockdown, we would love to receive any unwanted quality clothing, jewellery, toys, books and vinyl records. Donating couldn’t be easier or safer with our new contact free donations points.

“Every pound raised in our shops helps us to support the 930,000 people in the North West living with heart and circulatory diseases, many of whom are at increased risk from Covid-19. Your donations can help us, help them.”