Claire House Children’s Hospice is launching its 22nd retail shop in Chester city centre (Thursday 16th February 2012), with a grand opening hosted by Real Radio’s star presenter Glen Hunt.

The hospice, which provides medical and respite care for children and young people from across Cheshire and North Wales, opened its first charity shop in 1997. Since then the chain has grown significantly, with all profits from the shops going towards the £2.5 million fundraising total Claire House needs every year.

Based on Frodsham Street, the new store will put the Claire House brand onto the Chester high street, encouraging shoppers to support their local children’s hospice.

Simon Dodd, Head of Retail at Claire House said; “The Claire House shops are the face of the hospice in the local community and we want to ensure that they stand out. Our new store is unlike any other.”

The Chester store will sell great quality clothing, books, CDs and bric-a-brac. Customers can also take the opportunity to relax with a hot drink in the lounge upstairs while they browse the books.

Glen Hunt, who has over 16 years broadcasting experience under his belt and presents Real Radio’s Home Time show across the North West, is delighted to be involved with Claire House.  “I cannot wait to help Claire House open their new store in Chester. I’m usually stuck behind a mixing desk so to stand behind the counter in a busy shop is a welcome change for me.

“I know the people of Chester will be right behind the new store; I’ll be at the front of the queue with my donations when the doors open.”

Donations to the store are always welcome and can be dropped in to the store or to the Claire House hospice in Bebington, Wirral. Also at the grand opening will be Chester’s own Town Crier, David Mitchell.

Abi Smith, Cheshire Area Fundraising Manager for Claire House, commented, “The store will be a fantastic addition to building our name in the Cheshire area and we are all really looking forward to the 16th; we’ll even have our mascot Claire Bear there!”

The new Claire House shop, 53-55 Frodsham Street, Chester, CH1 3JJ, will open at 10am on Thursday 16th February.

Claire House Children’s Hospice - A Brief History

Claire House is the hospice for babies, children and young adults in Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and Isle of Man. It is a bright, vibrant and positive place which provides a home from home environment for children and young adults with life shortening conditions as well as support for the whole family.
Whilst Claire House is a positive place, focussed on helping the children and young adults to get the most out of every day regardless of their ability, our highly specialised Care Team are there also to provide support in the family home, emergency and end of life care when that time comes. Bereavement support is available for as long as it is needed.
With very little government funding, Claire House relies on the fundraising to cover the £2.5million cost the hospice needs every year.
For more information please contact:
Lauren Knights, Marketing and Communication Executive – 0151 482 8950 laurenk@claire-house.org.uk
Sarah Birss, Fundraising Assistant – 0151 343 0883 sarahb@claire-house.org.uk