Sick Kids shop in good nick after 10 years

A CHARITY shop supporting the Sick Kids hospital is celebrating its tenth anniversary – and raising more than £1 million.

The Sick Kids Friends Foundation's shop has put all its profits into providing extra comforts for the patients in the hospital.

It now sells items such as books, games, newspapers, magazines, toiletries, logo goods, food and drink, and the takings have increased every year.

More than 40 volunteers help to run the shop, supported by part-time manager, Frances Brown, a former nurse at the hospital. Many of the original staff were former nurses or hospital workers.

"The shop volunteers provide a very special type or retail therapy, chatting to children, parents and brothers and sisters when they come in to make a little purchase."

To mark the occasion, the shop is selling special ten-year anniversary badges and receiving a special birthday cake today.