The manager of Aldeburgh’s new East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop says she cannot wait to become part of the town’s “thriving community”.
Sara Thomas has been appointed to lead the charity’s High Street venture ahead of its grand opening at 10am on Thursday.
The former Woodbridge sales supervisor said she was delighted to have been given the opportunity after joining EACH’s retail team in December.
“I fell in love with the charity straight away,” she said.
“I’m sad to be leaving Woodbridge and have loved working alongside our manager, Nicola Emerick.
“It was her who told me about this opening, and she said that if I went for it, I’d have her full support.
“I decided to go for the role and was overjoyed when I was told I’d been successful. It’s an amazing opportunity for me, and I feel the time is right.
“It’s a thriving community, and I can’t wait for our new shop to embed itself and become part of the fabric of the town.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming tourists, to give them the best shopping experience during their time in Aldeburgh.
“However, what I’m really excited about is building relationships and getting to know our regular customers and donors.”
Sara, who celebrates her 57th birthday on Sunday, brings a wealth of experience to the role, describing her career as ‘eclectic’.
Before joining EACH, she worked in a range of jobs, including professional photography, sports coaching, fundraising and retail.
Most recently, she worked in a shop selling natural crystals and fossils in Ambleside, in the Lake District.
“It means I’m used to working in a busy tourist town,” she said.
“Although Aldeburgh is very different and by the coast rather than a lake, it’s got a similar vibe and there’s a strong sense of community.
“I like a job where you work at pace. There’s never a dull moment when you work in a charity shop and certainly no chance of getting bored.
“That appeals to me and was another reason I enjoyed working in Woodbridge.”
Originally from Suffolk, Sara moved to the Lake District in 2023 after her children had grown up and become independent. Eighteen months later, she returned to her home county ahead of the birth of her first granddaughter.
She also married last year and is pleased to have settled back in Suffolk.
“I loved every minute of my time in the Lake District,” said Sara, who lives in Saxmundham.
“I lived in Windermere and did so much walking and swimming, along with having a beautiful drive alongside the lake to get to Ambleside.
“It’s a stunning part of the world and somewhere I’ll always feel a close connection to.”
Prior to joining EACH, Sara worked as a fundraiser for the Lymphoma Association, giving her valuable insight into the charity sector.
Her connection to EACH stretches back even further. During her time as a professional photographer, she volunteered for the charity Remember My Baby and was called to photograph a baby that had died at EACH’s former Norfolk hospice in Quidenham.
“While it was an incredibly sad thing to do, there was such a kind and supportive atmosphere within the hospice and that stayed with me,” she said.
“It’s another reason I was so excited to join EACH.
“Whether you work on the frontline delivering care or in any other part of the organisation, including retail, everyone’s working towards the same goal and that’s a very special, rewarding and motivational feeling.
“There’s a sense of community, belonging and value, whereby everyone has an important role to play.
“EACH is a very special charity and any cause that supports children and families is close to my heart.
“It provides a wonderful service and whenever I go to meetings and hear more, it pulls on the heartstrings and makes me feel inspired.”
Sara is keen to hear from anyone interested in joining her new team of volunteers.
To find out more, pop in for a chat or email VolunteerServices@each.org.uk
