A long-serving charity shop volunteer says he was inspired and motivated after visiting one of the children’s hospices his efforts support.
Peter Sharp has been helping in Sudbury’s East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store since it opened in July 2014.
Prior to that, he spent five years lending a hand in the charity’s Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds shops.
The 76-year-old only intended to help for a year, after getting involved in 2009.
However, he was spurred on and vowed to continue after being given the chance to visit EACH’s former hospice in Walker Close, Ipswich (the organisation’s former Suffolk base, prior to The Treehouse opening in 2011).
“The experience blew my mind, in terms of witnessing firsthand the fantastic work that goes on,” said the dad of two, who also has three grandchildren.
“It had a profound impact and definitely inspired and motivated me to carry on.
“After completing my first year, I said I’d stay for five – and then the new shop opened in Sudbury.
“The rest is history and I’m still very happy. It’s a great organisation and volunteering is something I’d recommend to anyone.”
Peter, married to Jean, started volunteering in Stowmarket and then Bury while living in Elmswell.
After moving to Long Melford, he offered to help in the new Sudbury shop.
In addition to serving customers, he also enjoys overseeing the shop’s books, CDs and DVDs and is there every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday morning.
“I certainly don’t have any regrets,” he added.
“I was fortunate enough to have a successful career and travel the world, so now feels the right time to give something back.
“Although I know we’re currently short of volunteers, the team here is fantastic.
“Clearly, we’re not in it for money but we come back for the laughs and friendship, to have a great time while also doing something worthwhile.
“It’s something I thoroughly enjoy and I know others would, too.”
Celebrations took place last Thursday (18th July) to mark the North Street shop’s tenth birthday. To find out more about volunteering there, pop in for a chat, email shop manager Bev Williams (Bev.Williams@each.org.uk) or Sales Assistant Nicole Ellis (Nicole.Ellis@each.org.uk) or call 01787 379132.