Arbroath branch of Cancer Research has raised £2 million.

arbroath: Cancer Research High Street premises celebrates raising ‘fantastic’ sum

Staff at a town centre Cancer Research shop had two million reasons to celebrate at the weekend after passing a major seven-figure fundraising milestone.

Regular customers at Arbroath’s High Street premises joined volunteers in marking £2 million being raised by the branch over the past two decades, a feat described as “fantastic” by shop manager Carol Andrews.

She praised the community for the support given to the shop and, alongside a pat on the back for the band of volunteers who man the premises, issued a plea for more locals to think about giving a helping hand.

“Arbroath High Street has just died and although people moan about charity shops our income year on year has just gone up,” she said.

“This town has really supported us and I think £2 million for Cancer Research UK is absolutely amazing.

“We are inundated with donations, really good quality items, which allows us to make the money that we do.”

Carol said that down the years, the Arbroath branch had also enjoyed a couple of unexpected windfalls thanks to the generosity of supporters.

“We were given a commemorative gold coin which was sent to auction in Edinburgh and raised £1,000, and a few months later the same people donated a number of signed McIntosh Patrick prints which sold very well, so we are very lucky to have regulars who are so kind.

“We also have customers who come in here every day and obviously we just wouldn’t exist without everyone who supports us.”

She added: “At the moment we have a group of about 20 volunteers, but could always do with a few more people to give us extra cover.

“I would dearly love another three or four people to come forward and give us whatever time they can spare to help us continue this success – it could be for just a few hours and we will definitely work round them.”

One hears a lot of moans and groans about the charity shops clogging up our high streets. Certainly, there is a high number of such establishments but with so many businesses failing, it is surely a case of better a busy and occupied unit than a vacant one? And it is impossible not to be impressed by the efforts of all those involved with the Cancer Research shop on Arbroath’s High Street, which this weekend celebrated raising £2 million – a truly inspirational effort.

Pictures: Gareth Jennings. Dawn Murray, who has been at the shop for five years, and, below, with manager Carol Andrews, area manager Ken Donaldson, in red, and volunteers.