Derian House launches new charity shop in Chorley

As Derian House launched its new flagship charity shop in Chorley, dozens of shoppers flocked to see what the fuss was about.
Shop manager Shirley Parkinson, Mayor of Chorley Margaret Lees, consort Roy Lees and chief executive David RobinsonShop manager Shirley Parkinson, Mayor of Chorley Margaret Lees, consort Roy Lees and chief executive David Robinson
Shop manager Shirley Parkinson, Mayor of Chorley Margaret Lees, consort Roy Lees and chief executive David Robinson

Mayor of Chorley, Councillor Margaret Lees, cut the ribbon to declare the new store, in Cleveland Street, officially open.

First through the door was shopper Cherie Draper, from Chorley, who snapped up a dining table and chairs.

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She said: “I’ve been keeping my eye on the table in the shop window for over a week now and I’m over the moon I got it. The new shop is beautiful – there’s plenty of space and lots of variety.”

Shop manager Shirley Parkinson, Mayor of Chorley Margaret Lees, consort Roy Lees and chief executive David RobinsonShop manager Shirley Parkinson, Mayor of Chorley Margaret Lees, consort Roy Lees and chief executive David Robinson
Shop manager Shirley Parkinson, Mayor of Chorley Margaret Lees, consort Roy Lees and chief executive David Robinson

The store is big, bright, and will focus on selling quality furniture, designer menswear, plus toys, games and accessories.

Shoppers were treated to glasses of fizz, balloons and Derian cupcakes at the opening event.

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Mayor, Councillor Lees, told the crowd that Derian House was close to her heart as one of her chosen charities during her year in office.

Volunteer Lynda EdwardsVolunteer Lynda Edwards
Volunteer Lynda Edwards
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She said: “Derian needs to raise £4m every year to stay open, and yet less than 10 per cent comes from the government so the amount they need to raise is phenomenal.

“I’ve visited Derian and it’s such a tremendous deserving charity. This new shop is in a prime location close to the market so I hope it does very well.”

Derian House staff were on hand to sign-up new volunteers, with three people committing to helping out at the new shop in just a couple of hours.

The first new volunteer to sign up was retired hotel manager Maureen Sumner, 76, whose neighbours’ children come to Derian for respite.

First customer Cherie Draper with Derian Danni and manager Shirley Parkinson.First customer Cherie Draper with Derian Danni and manager Shirley Parkinson.
First customer Cherie Draper with Derian Danni and manager Shirley Parkinson.
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She said: “I'm really looking forward to meeting new friends and getting involved. I retired two years ago and now feels like the right time to start something new.”

David Robinson, chief executive of Derian House Children's Hospice, said: "The grand opening was a huge success. The shop was absolutely packed with big queues of people waiting to get in.

“Our vision was that this wouldn’t be your usual charity shop. We wanted to put our flagship store in the town centre in a great location and make it big, with bright colours and uncluttered. We’ve got lots of good quality furniture, because that always sells well and we’ve got some new goods in there too, as well as some designer clothing.

“I’d say to everyone, please come down and have a look and spend some money. All of our profits go to help the children and young people of Derian House.”