Charity stall finds new home

Volunteers whose charity stall was ditched by Hinchingbrooke Hospital bosses have found a new home.

In July, the team was told by Circle, the company which manages the Huntingdon hospital, that it could not continue to sell donated goods from the main entrance.

However, four months on, the volunteers have been welcomed by Magpas, the emergency medical charity, and have set up shop at its fundraising headquarters in Centenary House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon.

Barbara Darling, who once helped to run the hospital stall, said: “It feels good to be here. There’s a friendly atmosphere and we’ve also got lots of room to display our merchandise.”

Debbie Florence, Magpas fundraising manager, said: “It’s a really exciting time for the charity and illustrates yet another way in which our organisation is evolving.

“It’s also heartening that so many volunteers have come forward to help. But we are always on the lookout for more people to join us.”

The stall had been at Hinchingbrooke Hospital for 25 years, raising more than £1million for medical equipment.

At the time, Circle said it wanted to concentrate on “seeking more creative means of fundraising” and “improving patient experience”.

INFORMATION: The new stall at Centenary House is open from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Anyone who can help or who wants to know more about ­volunteering opportunities with Magpas should call Debbie on 01480 371060.