EVERY wedding dress has a story to tell.

But volunteers believe the gowns, veils and shoes on sale at the bridal lounge in the Orford St Rocco's charity shop on Longford Street are that extra bit special.

All funds raised go to the hospice helping people with life-limiting illnesses and manageress Anita Taylor, who has been supporting the cause for 33 years, says she is always delighted to help make bride-to-be's dreams come true.

She added: "A lot of the dresses are sample stock from bridal houses and we're hoping our prom dresses will take off this year too.

"I never get fed up of putting the key in the door and everybody who comes in is lovely helping to make money for the hospice.

"We're up to our third generation of customers now and everyone always comes back with a story to tell."

One woman the store and St Rocco's will never forget is former patient Jane Himme.

She had married husband Stefan 14 years ago in a registry office in Runcorn and was inspired to renew her vows after seeing a beautiful dress in the Longford Street's shop window.

Surrounded by family and friends on a sunny day in July last year, day unit sister Johanne Sutton and in patient unit nurse Julie McKenzie helped organise the day at Padgate Methodist Church for Jane, who lost her battle with cancer two months later in September 2015.

Johanne and Julie provided beautiful handmade white bunting, embellished with ribbon and sequins, and bouquets featuring pink hydrangeas from the hospice garden.

Speaking following her vow renewals, Jane said: “I was so emotional when Johanne and Julie offered to help.

"I had seen the dress in the St Rocco’s shop in Orford and fallen in love with it but I hadn’t a clue how it would all come together, so their help really took the stress away.

“It was such a beautiful day.

"One of my friends said they looked around the church at everyone gathered around us and thought it looked a massive circle of love. Everybody was just so happy.”

The couple wanted to renew their vows to focus on something positive and celebratory in the midst of so much being about the illness and Jane said the day was everything she would have hoped for.

She added: “The help from Julie and Johanne demonstrates how St Rocco’s cares and supports at all levels.

"As well as attending to medical needs there is also so much emotional support and sometimes when you are feeling something you don’t have to say anything – the nurses just know.

"It’s like having a relationship with a friend.”