PEOPLE living in Hambleton and Richmondshire have helped a local hospice care organisation raise £1m through its charity shops in just five years.

Since opening its first store in Northallerton in 2012, Herriot Hospice Homecare has gone on to open a further five shops in the districts, with ones now open in Thirsk, Stokesley, Bedale, Masham and, just recently, Richmond.

The retail operation has helped the charity raise the staggering sum, which will go towards its “hospice without walls” service for people in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Kathryn Harrison, head of retail at Herriot Hospice Homecare, said: “As an independent local charity we rely on support from the community and our shops across the district are one of the key ways we raise funds to support vital patient care.

“Reaching the £1m mark is a fantastic accomplishment, and it is only possible thanks to the amazing team of manager and volunteers at the heart of our shops, the generosity of those who donate high-quality items, and, of course, our loyal customers.”

Herriot’s stores across the district account for more than a third of the income raised by the charity each year, helping to provide care and support to families affected by terminal illness and bereavement.

It costs Herriot almost £1m each year to support local families, with services which include end of life care, bereavement support, befriending, respite support and driving services.

Kathryn added: “We’re delighted that the communities of Hambleton and Richmondshire have embraced our shops, and we are excited to be bringing even more high-quality goods to more neighbourhoods. Herriot will be announcing details of its seventh shop, also to be in Richmondshire, very soon and we’re looking for more volunteers for this shop and the six others.

"Volunteers help across all areas of retail, and tell us they find it a rewarding way to give something back as part of a friendly team. A little time can make a big difference, so if you can spare a few hours a week we’d love to hear from you.

“As we celebrate this milestone achievement, we would like to say a big thank you to our community for being alongside us every step of the way.”

People interested in volunteering can call; 01609-777413.