A Frodsham-based charity has celebrated a successful January despite a flood damaging donations

Feb 3 2011 by Rachel Flint, Chester Chronicle

A Frodsham-based charity has celebrated a successful January despite a flood damaging donations

DETERMINED volunteers at a Frodsham-based charity shop have not let a flood dampen their spirits.

When staff at the Halton Haven Hospice returned to work after the Christmas break, they were horrified to find the shop flooded and mountains of stock under water.

But with a little help from residents and local businesses the charity shop, on Frodsham main street, has reopened its doors.

The store was closed for a over a week, while staff and residents worked day and night to clear the damage, hiring dehumidifiers and skips, and replacing floors.

And when it reopened the volunteers were amazed when in the space of just one hour they had sold out of stock.

Head of fundraising, Paula Widdas, who helped with the clean-up, described the moment when they realised the shop was flooded.

“It was such a shock when I got the call saying the store was flooded. It was really disappointing on our first day back after Christmas to be lumbered with the damage.

“The support from the local community has been fantastic, people running around and offering help where ever they could. I am so grateful to my team who worked so hard, and I would like to thank the community who continued to support us.”

Halton Haven Hospice cares for people with life limiting illnesses in Halton and the surrounding areas.