‘Super’ new charity store opens in Wisbech

Wisbech is leading the way in the fight against cancer after officials opened England’s first-ever Cancer Research UK superstore in the town.

A woman who has fought breast cancer twice was the guest of honour when the superstore was unveiled on the Cromwell Retail Park.

The store, which is five times the size of a normal Cancer Research UK shop, will sell products for £3 and under – and will also be used as a processing hub to support high street shops in the area.

Nine new volunteers signed up to help run the exciting venture during the opening on June 26, and now the charity is appealing for more to come forward.

Area manager Fred Wing said: “There are lots of ways local people can get involved and help us, from visiting as customers or stepping forward as volunteers. It’s a big store and so we need a lot of volunteers!”

Breast cancer survivor Dawn Statham officially cut the ribbon to open the superstore, which will raise money towards Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work to help more men, women and children survive the disease.

The 50-year-old first fought breast cancer when she was 31. After treatment she became assistant manager of the Cancer Research UK shop in Ely to give something back and has worked there ever since.

Dawn said: “I worked in a supermarket when I was diagnosed but realised I wanted to do something to help others.

“Working at the shop is my life, everyone will say it. You have to do all sorts, including listening to people who are going through treatment or who’ve lost loved ones. Everyone has a story to share.”

During Dawn’s second round of treatment she was found to carry the BRCA gene – an inherited gene that increases the risk of breast cancer – and her daughter was also tested and found to be a carrier, too. Both have had preventive surgery to reduce their risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

Mr Wing added: “When you hear Dawn’s story you understand why she is so dedicated and also how crucial it is to raise money to fund research.” For more information about Cancer Research UK or to find out how to support the charity, contact 0300 123 1861 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

You can also follow the cause on Facebook.