Yorkshire Cancer Research officially opens new shop in Skipton

The new Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Skipton was officially opened yesterday (Thursday, 20th April).

The shop, located in Craven Court, was opened by Councillor Sheila Bentley, Deputy Mayor of Skipton, and Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Yorkshire Cancer Research funds researchers and cancer experts who pioneer early diagnosis and discover new and better treatments to help more people survive cancer.

Councillor Bentley said: “It’s a real privilege to have been invited to open the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Skipton. I’ve been diagnosed with cancer myself, and I’ve lost several members of my family to it, so this is a cause that’s very close to me.

“Cancer research is so important, and we need to help ensure it can continue. This shop is a wonderful way that the people of Skipton and Craven can support Yorkshire Cancer Research.

“It’s also wonderful to see the shop unit full and busy again. It had been closed for a while so it’s great that Skipton has been able to welcome the charity to its high street.”

Also attending the opening were members of the charity’s Keighley and Craven Local Volunteer Group, who have spent decades supporting people with cancer in Yorkshire by raising thousands of pounds for pioneering research.

Mary Parker from the group said: “It’s wonderful to see Yorkshire Cancer Research introduced to the area through the opening of a shop, and we wish it every success. My son is now on the path to recovery after being diagnosed with bowel cancer, which might not have been detected had it not been for the bowel screening programme. I’m a great advocate for the early detection of cancer, which is something the funds raised through the shop will help to improve.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research now has seven shops across the region and has ambitious plans to see its name on every high street in Yorkshire.

The Skipton shop, which is designed in the style of a small department store, will be run by manager Mary Walton, with the support of a deputy manager Charlotte Bickley and a team of dedicated volunteers.

“When you work for a charity, you know when you go home at night that you’re making a difference. My dad died of bowel cancer so for me, the research is such an important thing. The fact that the money raised helps people in Yorkshire is a bonus.”

Jenny Scowcroft, who is currently being treated for breast cancer, volunteers in the shop.

She said: “I’ve benefitted from research that’s been previously done, so I’m excited to take a small step towards helping others. I’ve never worked in a shop before so I’m looking forward to doing a bit of everything. So many people have come together to help set up the shop and get it looking good. Everybody’s here for the same reason; we want to do our bit for the cause.”

Volunteer Lesley Birchall, whose husband died from a rare cancer, added: “I wanted to do something to help future people with cancer. It’s a lovely atmosphere to work in, and I would recommend volunteering to anyone. It’s good fun, you’re doing something worthwhile and it’s rewarding.”

Dr Kathryn Scott said: “It’s fantastic to be opening a new shop here in the heart of Skipton. Our charity shops play a vital role in raising funds to help support crucial research across Yorkshire. The money raised in the shop will go directly towards research which will help more people in Yorkshire live longer, healthier lives, free from cancer.”

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

Find out more about volunteering at a Yorkshire Cancer Research shop.