Find hidden gems – use charity shop

An Ashford charity shop is inviting people to drop in and find a fashion gem on its rails.

The PDSA store in New Rents is taking part in the vet charity’s #DogWalk2CatWalk campaign, which helps you get your fashion fixes, while helping save poorly pets.

PDSA research reveals that nearly a third of UK adults believe charity shops are a great place to pick up ‘hidden gems’ such as retro clothing, shoes and accessories.

Annie Campbell, PDSA Kent area manager, said: “Many people are unaware of the amazing clothes and accessories you can snap up from a charity shop, often for a lot cheaper than on the high street. A lot of our customers enjoy creating their own individual look.”

For more information on the current campaign visit www. pdsa.org.uk/dogwalk2catwalk An Ashford-based charity has secured £3,500 after volunteers took part in the Three Peaks Challenge and Great North Run.

Led by Sean Kearns, the chief executive of CXK, the Three Peaks Challenge team set out for Ben Nevis in Scotland on the afternoon of September 12 and reached the summit by early evening.

They then set out for Scafell Pike in Cumbria and hit the peak at 8am. Finally, they conquered Mount Snowdon in Wales with the whole challenge ending late on the Sunday evening.

Mr Kearns, a former London Irish rugby player, has taken part in a number of previous charity challenges including walking the Pennine Way twice; completing five wheelchair marathons where you run pushing a wheelchair; the Lake District 24 Peaks in 24 hours and a parascending event.

He has also completed 5km and 10km races, as well as an orienteering team challenge with Olympic medallists Roger Black and Todd Bennett and Irish rugby international Mike Gibson.

Alongside him for this challenge was Robin Mayes, a photojournalist, and his brother Richard Mayes.

Mr Kearns said “The Three Peaks Challenge has always been a personal ambition of mine. We experienced all weathers as we climbed but we were determined to complete it.”

At the same time, Beth Raby – a member of CXK’s HR department – was also undertaking her own challenge by running the Great North Run for the third time.

She has also undertaken numerous charity events including eight marathons, three half-marathons and a swim across the English Channel.

CXK, which has a base in Tufton Street, is a charity that helps young people and adults to develop their skills, raise their aspirations and maximise their potential.