CHARITY shop manager Kate Davies was thrilled at the support for a coffee, cake and donation day despite the bitterly cold weather.

Kate runs the popular East Cheshire Hospice shop at Handforth, and hailed yesterday’s event as a great success.

Kate, who is well-known for her eye-catching window displays, said: “I was thrilled that so many people came along.

"The weather was bitterly cold, and it was nice to offer everyone a warming cuppa and some homemade cakes.

“It is our way of saying thank you to our customers – whether they donate to us or buy things in the shop.

“It is 18 months since the shop here in The Paddock opened, and we really feel a valued part of the local community now.

“Not only because the majority of our volunteers who help Emma and I run the shop live locally - and as was proved yesterday are very fine bakers - but also, of course, because the East Cheshire Hospice is the local hospice for East Cheshire

“In the nine months up to December the hospice gave support and service to 2,236 people in East Cheshire who were either admitted as in-patients or who received support as out-patients in the Sunflower Centre.

“Of these more than 1,300 received support with counselling, therapies or spiritual support, and in the first 13 weeks of our new service Hospice @Home we have helped 67 patients and their families.

“The hospice can only provide these amazing services because of every single kind donation and person who fundraises for us.

“Every moment of support is incredibly important to us, which means it is lovely to be able to host such a fun event in the shop.”