MANAGERS from Cancer Research UK’s Wilmslow and Alderley Edge shops have made an urgent appeal for volunteers after seeing a massive drop in the number of supporters able to help out.

While stock donations increased immediately after lockdown, the number of volunteers returning plummeted by nearly half in some shops.

Last year Cancer Research UK shops in England raised more than £75 million. But with shop closures and event cancellations, the charity is expecting a £160 million drop in income across the UK in the year ahead.

Siobhan Byrne, marketing manager for Cancer Research UK in the north west, said: “We’re very lucky to have great teams in Wilmslow and Alderley Edge, but sadly not all our volunteers have been able to return, largely due to health reasons.

“After the first lockdown eased, many shops were operating with only half the usual number of volunteers.

“The situation has improved a little since then but we’re still 30 per cent down on volunteer numbers. That’s why we’re appealing to anyone who can to give the gift of their time this winter.

“We are in particular need of volunteers at our Alderley Edge shop on Thursdays and Sundays.

“Our Wilmslow Hawthorn Lane shop needs volunteers for Saturdays, and our Wilmslow Water Lane shop for Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

“Our shop volunteers are like family to us so it was heart-breaking to close our doors and stay at home during lockdown.

“I can’t stress enough how vital these volunteers are. Without their help, we would not be able to fund our outstanding doctors, nurses and scientists.”

To sign up or to find out more about volunteering visit cancerresearchuk.org/shopvol