Wisdom Hospice takes over Scope shop in Sheerness

A hospice has opened its fourth charity shop, honoring a longtime supporter.

Wisdom Hospice veteran Molly Johal, 82, performed the opening ceremony with Swale Mayor Cllr Simon Clark today (Friday).

The hospice has taken over the former Scope charity shop on Sheerness High Street.

Molly, who still volunteers at the hospice’s Chatham shop and lives in Walderslade, said: “I was a little nervous but was very honored to be asked. I’ve never opened a store before.

“I was pretty excited about it. I hope it does as well as any other business. It should liven up the city.”

Martyn Reeves, General Manager of Friends of the Wisdom Hospice said: “Molly is a longtime supporter and has been a volunteer with the Chatham shop since it opened in 2016.

“John Hale-Brown, our Retail Manager, couldn’t think of anyone better suited to open our new store than you.

“She is a cheerful woman who seems to know everyone and is a staunch supporter of the hospice.”

Molly participated in a promotional photoshoot in 2021 with fellow volunteers and professional models wearing vintage clothing for the hospice.

Next to her was Sittingbourne model Jenilee Walmsley (née Harris) who made the final of TV’s search for Britain’s Next Top Model in 2006 while working at the High Street Co-op store in Sittingbourne.

The Sheerness shop was previously home to cerebral palsy charity Scope for 40 years.

Mr Reeves said: “When Scope left the premises her manager suggested to the landlord that we might be interested in a deal on Sheerness High Street and she was right. We slammed it.”

Manager Shelia Sulley and Assistant Manager Julia Purkins will run it Monday through Saturday. The two are busy recruiting volunteers to help out in four-hour shifts during the week.

They are also looking for used clothing and home goods to sell.

All funds raised go to Wisdom Hospice in High Bank, Rochester covering Medway and Swale.

It supports a number of islanders who are able to live at home in life-limiting conditions.

The friends make monthly payments to the hospice, which needs £2,000 a day to run. That year they donated a total of £720,000.

The Sheerness premises bring The Friends’ portfolio to four. It already has offices in Sittingbourne, Chatham and Rochester.

The Sittingbourne store opened in 2013 and will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year.