CHARITY shop manager Sandra Daniels has thanked everyone for their support as Knutsford’s Cancer Research UK shop enjoyed a ‘bumper’ day as it reopened today (Monday).

The majority of the charity’s shops, including the Knutsford shop on King Street, are getting back to business to tackle a shortfall in funding caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

With its shops typically contributing more than £25 million every year to vital research, Cancer Research UK has suffered a dramatic loss of income since they were forced to close temporarily at the end of March.

As the shop reopen strict measures are being followed to ensure people can shop, volunteer and donate goods safely.

These include social distancing, hand sanitiser stations, cough guards at till points, face coverings and gloves for shop staff and volunteers, additional cleaning and a 72-hour quarantine period for donated items.

Knutsford Guardian:

From left, Chris Russell, Julia Roberts, Virginia Harden

Sandra said: “We’ve had a fantastic response from our customers, who I would like to thank very much for coming back to us.

“They are excited about us opening again, and we have a great team of volunteers, who are all coming back.”

The shop is open 9.30am to 4.30pm, and five people are allowed in the shop at one time, including two members of staff.

Anna Taylor, Cancer Research UK spokesman for the north west, said: “To save lives tomorrow we need the public’s support today - so we want people to know we’re making every effort to create a safe shopping experience.

Knutsford Guardian:

The Knutsford shop

“Covid-19 has hit us hard, and after three long months we’re delighted to be able to welcome new and familiar faces back through our doors again, as well as a host of new donations.

“Our shops are full of new and pre-loved items, fashion one-offs and homeware treasures – particularly after lockdown clear-outs.

“As well as being sold at bargain prices every sale helps to fund our work. But right now, clinical trials are being postponed, and we’re having to delay vital research.

“That’s why we’re asking our customers to do what they can. Whether they shop, donate goods or volunteer their time; all are essential to help us keep making breakthroughs for people with cancer.”

For those who need to stay at home the charity’s online stores are also up and running.

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters Cancer Research UK funds around 50 per cent of all cancer research in the UK.

However, as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic it expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 30 per cent in the financial year ahead, putting this research at risk.