Underpants and socks previously owned by Ed Sheeran will be up for grabs when a new charity shop opens in Beccles.
The sought-after goods, both donated by the music megastar, will go on sale when the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store opens at 10am on 7th March.
They were among an array of nearly 450 goods that EACH has been selling via its eBay site since November – so far raising nearly £30,000.
A bundle of items, which also includes leather bracelets and a baseball cap, was put aside for new shop openings and immediately reserved for Beccles.
Both come with a certificate and letter from EACH’s Director of Retail, Ian Nicolson, confirming they were donated by Ed.
“Ed’s donations are definitely going to cause a stir and create plenty of excitement on our first day,” said shop manager Tracey Riley.
“I was hoping for a busy one anyway but this will hopefully take it to another level.
“It’s the cherry on the cake and exciting to be directly involved.
“I’ve followed the media coverage of Ed’s donations and now it’s amazing to become part of the story, selling items as manager of our new Beccles shop.”
The store is in a prominent unit in New Market, between the Co-op supermarket and The Kings Head Hotel. It replaces Shoe Zone.
Donations can be dropped off from Monday (26th February) and there will be a volunteer open day, for anyone interesting in joining the team, on Thursday (29th February).
“I’m very excited, raring to go and can’t wait to get started,” added Tracey, who will be joined by retail assistant Vicky Lockhart.
“It’s a beautiful-looking shop, in the most perfect of central locations.
“There’s plenty of space inside and I firmly believe it has huge potential.”
Tracey, 42, has a wealth of charity retail experience, with other previous jobs including working in market research and being a customer service advisor for the Department for Work and Pensions.
The mum-of-five, who lives in Carlton Colville, joined EACH on 15th January and has been training at the charity’s shops in Lowestoft and Halesworth.
“I had such a great feeling, as soon as I had my first interview,” she said.
“I felt it went well and was over the moon to be offered this job.
“Since then, everyone has been so lovely, welcoming and supportive.
“I know help is on hand if I need it and, from speaking to others, everyone who works for the organisation feels valued and looked after.
“Everyone who knows me knows how happy I am.
“Since leaving my last job, my heart was always set on finding another job in charity retail.
“For me, it’s hard to put a price on the sense of fulfilment it gives me – knowing we’re doing something to hopefully make people’s lives better and easier.”
Anyone interested in volunteering but unable to attend on the open day can find out more by emailing Tracey via Tracey.Riley@each.org.uk
The Beccles shop will be the 48th in EACH’s portfolio.
