Paralympic archery star opens new-look Severn Hospice shop

Jodie Grinham, who won a silver medal for archery in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, was joined by hospice sister Leeanne Morgan at the official opening of the Severn Hospice Shop in Market Street, Wellington.

The 23-year-old, who lives in Donnington, claimed Britain's 59th medal at the Rio games alongside John Stubbs as the pair took silver in the mixed team compound open.

Jodie said: "I live in Telford and know how vital the support the hospice provides to families in the community is.

"I'm really pleased to be here helping the hospice and hope that local people will come and show their support.

"By supporting local hospice shops people can help Severn Hospice continue to care for families living with terminal illnesses in Shropshire and Mid Wales.

"I'm so surprised, it's such a nice turnout as it's chilly but they've all come to support the opening.

"I was really honoured to be asked to open the shop, I didn't expect it, I love helping charities so I said of course I'd be there.

"There's loads of nice things – I've got my eye on a pair of heels, an Andrex puppy and some puzzles."

Ross Henderson, head of retail, said the shop had closed for five weeks while the refit took place.

He said: "We wanted to give it an uplift for the town centre, to improve the look of the shop and invest in Wellington.

"There's new lighting, heating, plumbing.

"It's really fantastic and there's lots of volunteers here and members of the public. It just shows how the community of Wellington wants to support us."

Severn Hospice has refitted the shop to provide customers with a brighter and better shopping experience and is appealing for more volunteers to help out at the shop.

The shop stocks a selection of books, clothing, homeware and is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

For more information about volunteering contact the hospice at volunteers@severnhospice.org.uk.