TV reporter and presenter Tanya Mercer swapped the glare of cameras for an afternoon of volunteering after pitching in to support an East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop.
Tanya, a familiar face from ITV News Anglia, gave her time to learn the ropes at EACH’s store in Bridge Street, Framlingham.
As well as sorting and pricing donations, she met customers while using the till and found out more about the organisation’s fast-growing retail operation.
“It was a privilege and joy, great fun and hugely rewarding,” said Tanya, who is both a studio presenter and reporter for ITV.
“Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and it’s a wonderful community of staff and volunteers. It’s such an amazing operation and the retail side of things is bigger than I thought.
“It’s so well run, with military precision. It’s amazing and, of course, that’s only possible with the help of so many incredible volunteers.“
Tanya has been with ITV Anglia for the last decade, previously working for ITV in the West Country. She has covered many EACH-related stories, including the public appeal to raise funds for a purpose-built hospice near Norwich.
She was then present when The Nook was officially opened by The Princess of Wales in November 2019. More recently, she visited the eBay team, in Thetford, to report on the organisation’s high-profile auction of Ed Sheeran donations.
“EACH is a very special charity,” added Tanya.
“It’s an incredible organisation that has gone from strength to strength. Whenever I’ve been privileged to meet families that use the services, I’ve always been moved and humbled.
“Anyone would feel the same and that’s why I wanted to help. My only regret is that I can’t do more. If I didn’t work full-time, I’d definitely volunteer more.”
To find out more about helping in Framlingham, pop in for a chat, email manager Beverly Ranshaw via beverly.ranshaw@each.org.uk or call 01728 621436.
