FROM WAGS TO RICHES

Footballers and wives help stock charity store

FOOTBALLERS and their WAGS have turned a Scots charity shop into a gold mine.

Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland’s boutique in Giffnock, Renfrewshire, turn over thousands every week because of the generosity of local residents – including many Scottish Premiership footballers.

Anyone looking for a designer bargain for the new year should head to the Fenwick Road shop.

Store manager Jason Airbright, 39, says CHSS are a charity close to his heart as his uncle and gran suffered strokes.

He has been at the shop for 18 months and said: “I couldn’t believe the fabulous quality of designer labels that come in here. We are lucky.”

Burberry and Louis Vuitton handbags worth thousands have been among the donations.

Jason said: “We also got a pair of brand new Chanel boots worth £1500. I got £300 for them.”

Amanda Wakeley, Jimmy Choo, Buonarroti, Karen Millen, Max Mara, Emporio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry are among the labels on the shelves.

Jason added: “A lot of people round here know their designers so labels don’t usually sit out longer than a few hours.”

Donors are often regulars. Jason said: “One woman comes in every four or five weeks with designer handbags. Some are still in their dustbags, never used.

“A lot of footballers live near here and they and their wives hand in lots of designer stuff.

“One footballer came in last week with an Emporio Armani suede jacket and a Louis Vuitton silk scarf – it was beautiful.”

He added: “A lot of people who donate have suffered themselves or know someone who has.”