Godalming charity shop named best in South East

A charity shop in Godalming has been named the charity shop of the year in the South East.

The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice Shop in Godalming was one of 6,500 nominees across the UK.

Branch manager Julie Bunting told BBC Radio Surrey the whole team and the shop’s customers were “absolutely thrilled”.

Nearly 13,000 people voted in the awards, with winners in 12 regions named.

Ms Bunting, who has managed the shop since it opened just over two years ago, said: “People love coming here, it’s not like any other charity shop.”

The shop has had some unusual donations, she added, ranging from a urine sample in a coat pocket, to a water colour from a local artist which sold for £250.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices support families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or who have been bereaved, in Surrey, south west London and north west London.

Joe Tooze, retail manager at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, said: “Our amazing shop manager, Julie, and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers have worked hard to create a store that the local community enjoys visiting.

“The shop is beautifully arranged with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”

He said the shop was located near the charity’s Christopher’s hospice in Guildford, and enjoyed “tremendous support from customers, volunteers and donors”.

One of the 12 finalists will be named the UK’s “favourite charity shop 2024” in November.