Yorkshire Cancer Research officially opens new Harrogate shop

The new Yorkshire Cancer Research shop on Oxford Street in Harrogate was officially opened on Tuesday, 27th September.

The shop was opened by award-winning television presenter, journalist, and host Christine Talbot, who was successfully treated for breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2012.

Christine said: “It’s a huge honour to have been asked to open the new shop here in Harrogate. Having been through breast cancer myself and all the worry of that time, I’m so aware of how lucky I am to have benefitted from the amazing work that Yorkshire Cancer Research has done over the years to find new and ground-breaking treatments.

“I love charity shops. You can find so many great things. I've seen so much fantastic stuff while looking around today. I think this shop is going to be a hub for people in the area. We only opened the doors a few minutes ago and it’s already bustling, which is great to see.”

The opening, which included a ceremonial ribbon cutting, was also attended by Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Victoria Oldham, and Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Councillor Victoria Oldham said: “The opening of the shop means a lot to Harrogate, as the money raised here goes towards helping people in Yorkshire. It’s important for people to support the shop, so that Yorkshire Cancer Research can continue to fund fantastic research in the area.”

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Our shops play a vital role in raising funds to help support pioneering research across Yorkshire. As a charity firmly rooted within Yorkshire’s local communities, we strive to be a key part of the fabric of the region.

“Harrogate has been home to Yorkshire Cancer Research for over four decades, and we have always felt very lucky to be an integral part of this beautiful town. Throughout the years people affected by cancer in the region have benefitted tremendously from the support of the local community.

“With the opening of a new shop in the heart of the town, we look forward to becoming an even bigger part of the fabric of Harrogate. Our charity shops play a vital role in raising funds to support pioneering research, and the new store means we can offer volunteering and employment opportunities while contributing to the local high street.”

Harrogate-based independent charity Yorkshire Cancer Research has taken over the site of the former Porters store as part of its ambitious plans to open shops on every high street in Yorkshire.

The charity now has five shops in the region and is expecting to have 20 outlets up and running by 2027. Each shop is expected to raise £100,000 for life-saving research in Yorkshire each year.

The shop will be run by manager Kate Morris, and deputy manager Daniel Ellis, alongside a team of volunteers.

Daniel said: “It’s great to be opening the new shop in the heart of Harrogate, which has been the home of the charity for many years. It’s exciting to have seen it all come together and finally be able to open the doors to the public.”

Hugh Chown, who volunteers at the shop, added: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the team so far, and helping to set up the shop. It was great to see so many people from the community at the opening. We’ve already made lots of sales and we’re ready to start re-stocking the shelves. I think we’ve made a great start and hopefully we can continue like this.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research has been based in the spa town of Harrogate since 1978, when the charity relocated its headquarters from the centre of Leeds.

Funds raised at the shop will help fund research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

The shop will be open seven days a week (Mon-Sat 9:30am to 4:30pm and Sun 10:30am to 4:30pm).

Donations can be dropped off in the shop, or at the charity’s donation centre on Hornbeam Park (i2D Hornbeam Park Oval, Harrogate, HG2 8RB).

Those interested in volunteering can call into the shop, or apply through our website.