Martin House charity shop in Acomb celebrates 15 years at the heart of the community

The Acomb shop first opened its doors in July 2011 and is celebrating the milestone this weekend (July 18).

Over the past 15 years, the shop has become a much-loved part of the local community, with thousands of donated items finding new homes while raising vital funds for Martin House. 

Since the shop opened, annual sales have increased by more than 32 per cent, rising from £62,067 in its first full financial year to over £100,000 in 2025/26.

The shop's success has been driven by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, many of whom have supported the shop since it first opened.

Shop Manager Carol Atkinson, who has been part of the Acomb shop since day one, said: "It's hard to believe it's been 15 years. 

"We've built such a wonderful community around the shop and I'm incredibly proud of everything we've achieved together.

"Every donation, every purchase and every hour our volunteers give helps make a real difference to the children and families supported by Martin House."

Carol said one of the most memorable moments came around eight years ago, when she arrived to open the shop one morning and found what she initially thought was scraps of paper pushed through the letterbox.

"It turned out to be £20 and £10 notes, along with a handwritten note saying, 'Hope this helps. I don't want it.' There was £2,000 in total. It was an incredible act of generosity that none of us will ever forget."

The shop is currently supported by 12 volunteers, including Eileen, who joined for what was meant to be a six-week placement shortly after the shop opened, and is still volunteering today.

Carol added: "We've been so lucky to have the support of the Acomb community over the years.

"Many of our volunteers have been with us since the shop first opened, and we have customers and donors who come back time and time again. We're like one big family, and we simply couldn't do what we do without them."

Money raised through Martin House's charity shops helps fund specialist care and support for more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, along with their families, and around 200 bereaved family members across West, North and East Yorkshire.

Services, from the Boston Spa-based facility, include planned respite stays, symptom management, end-of-life care and bereavement support, all provided free of charge.

Stephanie Rimmington, Head of Retail at Martin House, said: "Our charity shops are at the heart of their local communities, and Acomb is a fantastic example of that.

"The incredible commitment of Carol, her team of volunteers and the loyal support of local people has helped generate vital funds that enable Martin House to provide specialist care and support to hundreds of children and families across Yorkshire.

"We'd like to thank everyone who has supported the Acomb shop over the past 15 years. Every donation, purchase and hour volunteered has helped make a difference, and we look forward to the shop continuing to thrive for many years to come."

To celebrate the milestone, the shop will be offering special deals on Saturday (18th). For more information about the anniversary plans, keep an eye on the store's Facebook page.

Anyone wishing to support the Acomb shop can do so by shopping, donating good quality pre-loved items or volunteering. 

For more information about Martin House and how to support the hospice, visit: https://www.martinhouse.org.uk/