There are no Monday morning blues for grandmother Jo Nadin when she gets up for work.
Volunteering for East Cheshire Hospice at its shop on Chestergate is the perfect way to start her week.
Jo has been involved with the Hospice for the last 17 years since she joined the army of volunteers without whom the Hospice would not be here.
It was in 2006 that Jo’s daughter Sally died of a brain tumour in a hospice, prompting her to get involved.
Hospice volunteers Shirley Plant (left) and Jo Nadin.
Jo said: “I realised I couldn’t just sit at home and do nothing so I volunteered at the Hospice. Sally wouldn’t have wanted me to mope about.
“I’d worked in nursing so thought I could help, but being recently bereaved, decided to help in the shop rather than the Hospice itself.”
“I volunteer on Monday mornings and getting up is no problem – you just do it.
“The shop is a happy place to work. Everyone is so friendly and we get to know the customers.”
Colleague Shirley Plant feels the same way. Shirley volunteers twice weekly at the Chestergate shop and fills rota gaps.
Shirley said: “It’s brilliant working here – it’s like being in a boutique. Everyone comments on how nice the clothes are.
“I’m from Gawsworth originally and came back from Shropshire five years ago to live near my family.
“I decided I needed to get out and about and applied. The staff are great. You meet different people and get to know regulars who thank us for our efforts.”
The Hospice also has shops at Thornton Square and in Poynton and Handforth with a further outlet in Congleton opening soon.
Chestergate manager Lindsay McDonald said: “The volunteers are the backbone of the shop and mean everything to us.
Chestergate shop manager Lindsay McDonald.
“Without them, the shops wouldn’t be able to run. They’re kind and give up their time for free when they don’t have to.
“Jo and Shirley are examples of the dedication and commitment made by all our volunteers.
“People are more conscious about the environment and we’re trying to promote the shop with a message of ‘don’t buy new – buy pre-loved.’
“That way customers can save money for themselves and support a local charity.
“We stock a variety of outfits available at brilliant prices, including Christmas jumpers.
“Upstairs we sell furniture which should fit into a car.”
