A charity shop in Great Baddow held a party to celebrate five years of raising money to help provide care to seriously ill children.

The Little Havens Hospice charity shop, in The Vineyards, Great Baddow, celebrated the contribution that volunteers, shoppers and local supporters have made for the children’s hospice over the last five years. 

Staff, volunteers and trustees from the charity attended the event along with many of the shop’s loyal customers and some families who are cared for by the hospice which cares for babies, children and teenagers with life-limiting illnesses from across Essex.

There were activities taking place at the shop throughout the day including guess the weight of the cake, how many sweets in the jar and a free lucky dip for children, before the main celebration which started at 5pm.

Sharon Davison, Shop Manager, said, “We had great fun celebrating five brilliant years.

"Since opening we have raised £677,745, which is a fantastic achievement that helps us to provide our care.

"I’d like to thank our brilliant team of volunteers who help us to make that happen and everybody else who supports the shop by either donating their goods or coming in to shop.

"And of course I’d like to thank everybody who came along on the day and joined in our celebrations.”

Chris Shaw, Vice Chairman of Great Baddow Parish Council, also attended.

She said, “It doesn’t seem five years since we were all discussing what would fill our empty shop in The Vineyards.

"I remember people were delighted that Little Havens would be opening a charity shop there.

"I am now a regular customer and have to say that it seems so different to other charity shops with such brilliant quality items.

"I haven’t heard anything but positive comments about the shop, which is a real credit to the staff and volunteers.

"I would like to thank everybody involved in the shop for everything they do.”

To find out more about your local Havens Hospices charity shop please visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/shops