Saturday 12 September – St Christopher’s hospice has officially opened a new store on Eltham High Street, bringing affordable pre-loved shopping to the local community while generating vital income to support hospice care across south east London.

The new shop forms part of St Christopher’s wider retail strategy, with plans to open at least three additional shops each year over the next three years. This would see the hospice add at least nine new stores to its current network of 24, increasing its retail estate by 37.5%.

The expansion comes at a time when many high street retailers are facing significant challenges, including rising operating costs, changing consumer habits and reduced footfall. While other major charity retailers are shrinking their estates, St Christopher’s is moving firmly in the opposite direction. The British Heart Foundation has announced plans to close 150 of its 640 shops, a reduction of almost a quarter (23%) of its retail estate, while Cancer Research UK has reduced its retail presence by around 22%.

St Christopher’s continued investment reflects its confidence in the power of charity retail to generate sustainable funding for hospice care, meet growing demand for affordable and environmentally conscious shopping, and help revitalise local high streets.

Joe Garratt, Presenter and Love Island Star, said: “I’m delighted to be opening St Christopher’s new Eltham charity shop and helping celebrate such an exciting moment for the hospice. Having grown up in south east London, it’s great to see an organisation investing in local high streets and creating spaces that bring communities together.

“I’ve always loved fashion and sustainable style, so it’s brilliant to see a charity shop offering people the chance to pick up unique pre-loved finds while supporting an incredible cause at the same time.

“What really makes this shop special is the difference it will make. Every item donated, every purchase and every volunteer hour helps St Christopher’s continue providing vital care and support to local people and their families when they need it most. I’m proud to be here to support the opening and encourage everyone to come down, have a look around and get involved.”

Top: Celebrity Joe Garrett opens Eltham High Street store. Above: Joe Garrett explores the store.

Dan Moore, Head of Trading at St Christopher’s Hospice, said:  “The opening of our Eltham shop is another exciting milestone in St Christopher’s retail journey. At a time when many retailers are reducing their presence on the high street, we are proud to be investing in local communities and growing our charity shop network.

“Our shops play a vital role in supporting our hospice services, generating essential income that helps fund specialist care and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for families, carers and those facing bereavement. Every purchase, donation and Gift Aid contribution helps make that care possible.

“Charity retail has never been more important. As well as raising sustainable income for hospice care, our shops support local high streets, encourage reuse and sustainable shopping, and create welcoming community spaces where people can connect, volunteer and make a difference.

“We are delighted to become part of the Eltham community and look forward to welcoming local residents through our doors.”

The new Eltham shop offers a wide range of pre-loved fashion, accessories, homeware, books and unique items, providing local residents with affordable and sustainable shopping options while helping to raise funds for hospice care.

Above: Celebrity Joe Garrett cuts the ribbon at Eltham High Street store.

The Deputy Civic Mayor met with the hospice’s Care Director, Amanda Mayo, Director of Inclusion and Social Innovation, Mary Hodgson, and other clinical and community staff as he was shown around the hospice. 

During the visit, the Deputy Civic Mayor heard about St Christopher’s work across Croydon, including its Death Literacy Project facilitated by the Community Action team. The project helps local people feel more confident talking about death, dying and loss, and understand the support available to them and their families.  

Through workshops, Compassionate Chats, hospice awareness sessions and visits to the hospice, Croydon residents can learn more about end-of-life care, ask questions in a safe and supportive space, and find out what help is available for them and their families. 

Amanda Mayo, Care Director of St Christopher’s, says: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Deputy Civic Mayor to St Christopher’s and to showcase the important work our hospice carries out for the community.  

“Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. Through our work across southeast London, we aim to build strong relationships, raise awareness of the support available and ensure that people from all backgrounds feel informed, included and able to access the care they need. 

“Visits such as this are an important opportunity to highlight the vital role hospices play in supporting patients, families and communities every day.” 

The Deputy Civic Mayor also saw firsthand St Christopher’s Inpatient Unit, which recently underwent a £3.6 million upgrade, of which more than £2 million came from the government’s emergency funding for hospices, announced in December 2024. 

The upgrades at St Christopher’s focused on improving the look and feel of the Inpatient Unit, making rooms bigger and more homely, and addressing essential infrastructure issues in a building that is almost 60 years old. 

The work also included enhancing staff areas for dedicated teams and installing a hoist system so people can be moved more safely and comfortably, whilst also protecting staff. 

The Deputy Civic Mayor, said: ” It was a privilege to visit St Christopher’s Hospice and I did not expect to have such a positive and memorable experience. I learnt about the incredible work delivered with kindness and dignity that makes a real difference and significant impact on family, friends and loved ones. The emotional and practical support offered and most notably bereavement support to those left behind was something that St Christopher’s does so well. They ensure that nobody should face these issues alone and the team of employees and volunteers offer compassion and commitment at times when people need it most. The impact of their work makes a difference to individuals, their loved ones and the wider communities here in Croydon.” 

Actress Linda Murphy Regan, best known for her roles in Hi-de-Hi!, The Bill and Heartbeat, has donated a specialist falls bed to St Christopher’s Hospice in memory of her late husband, actor Brian Murphy, who was cared for by the hospice in the final weeks of his life. 

Brian Murphy was widely loved for his roles in George & Mildred and Last of the Summer Wine. The donation honours his memory while helping St Christopher’s provide comfort and dignity to patients receiving end-of-life care. 

The specialist bed which has many safety features including an alarm, was funded through a memorial fundraising event organised by Linda and friends from the entertainment industry. Together they run The Grand Order of the Lady Ratlings which helps others in need and raise necessary funds by hosting a variety of events.  

The new bed has now been delivered to St Christopher’s Hospice, where Linda was joined by friends and fellow TV actors Vicki Michelle (‘Allo ‘Allo!) and Debbie McGee (The Paul Daniels Magic Show), Vicky Bailey (a trustee of their charity) and dog Frendy for a presentation ceremony to mark the donation. 

Linda and Brian were married for 36 years after meeting on the set of A Wife Begins at Forty. When Brian’s health deteriorated due to extensive bone metastases caused by prostate cancer, suddenly at the end of 2024, the couple were referred to St Christopher’s Hospice for support. 

Linda, said: “I can recall how quickly St Christopher’s stepped in to support us. Brian wanted to stay at home and they made that possible. The nurses came three times a day. Their care, their gentleness and their respect meant everything. 

“One of the most important pieces of support provided by the hospice was a specialist adjustable bed, which helped ease Brian’s discomfort and enabled him to remain at home. The nurses were so careful when turning him, always trying to minimise discomfort. They even made sure his moustache, which he was very proud of, was kept neat. Their compassion stayed with me. 

“I wanted to give something back to St Christopher’s and, given our experience, a bed felt like the most appropriate way to do so.” 

Amanda Mayo, Care Director at St Christopher’s Hospice, said: “Linda’s generosity will make a profound difference to the comfort and dignity of people in our care. This gift is a wonderful tribute to Brian and reflects the compassion and kindness that underpin hospice care. We are deeply grateful for Linda’s support and to everyone who contributed to making this donation possible.” 

Following Brian’s death, Linda also received bereavement support from St Christopher’s Hospice, helping her navigate life after her loss. 

To support St Christopher’s Hospice and help ensure expert end-of-life care is available to those who need it most, donate here. For more information about our bereavement services, practical resources and support available to patients, families and carers, visit our website.