A dedicated shop manager has described her role as ‘simply the best’ because of the care and support she receives from her colleagues.
Maria Wakeman heads up the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) team in Market Place, Swaffham – one of 55 EACH stores, including 21 in Norfolk.
She took the reins in 2023, after four months managing the charity’s shop in Soham, and describes it as ‘the best move I could have made’.
“I loved my time in Soham, and everyone – my area manager and the volunteers – was so lovely, friendly, helpful and supportive,” she said.
“We achieved a lot, and I was very proud.
“However, I lived an hour away, and the commute was becoming a bit much, so I jumped at the chance to transfer to Swaffham.
“It was a great opportunity to manage a bigger shop with more volunteers. I was excited but also nervous because the targets are much higher.
“Two and a half years later, I can honestly say it was the best move I could have made.
“It’s given me so much extra confidence in terms of dealing with situations, and I still feel as proud as ever to say I work for EACH.”
Maria’s career in charity retail is a far cry from her first steps into the working world, having started in the hospitality industry.
She worked in her parents’ London pub from the age of 16, cleaning ashtrays and collecting empty glasses. She then started working behind the bar after turning 17.
Maria got a licence to run her own pub when she was 20, and it was something she went on to do for 15 years before following her parents to Norfolk.
She was a bar manager in various social clubs, and her last job before joining EACH was at the British Legion Working Men’s Club in March.
“I felt the pub trade was dying, with mounting running costs and fewer people using social clubs, so I applied when I saw the shop manager advert,” she said.
“I’d always wanted to work for a charity, as I used to volunteer for Barnardo’s.
“Three and a half years on, I couldn’t be happier.
“EACH is simply the best because everyone cares and understands.
“I speak from personal experience, having recently been diagnosed with cancer, and will be forever grateful for the love and support I’ve received.”
In addition to being passionate about EACH’s retail operation, Maria loves to think about how the money she raises directly helps children and families across East Anglia.
“Regardless of their role, the staff and volunteers here are like a family because everyone does what they do for the love of the charity,” she said.
“It really is the best place to work, and I wish I’d joined years ago.
“It’s an organisation with a clear vision, and I’ve been given so much fantastic advice along the way.
“I’ve learnt so much about myself, and working here has taught me that anyone can achieve anything if they believe in themselves.”
To find out more about volunteering in Swaffham, pop in for a chat or call 01760 720799.
