A CHARITY shop has raised more than £45,000 in just seven months towards the cost of a house for homeless people.

ShareShop on Northgate Street, Chester opened its doors on January 16 with the goal of helping the homeless and sending aid abroad to help refugees from war-torn countries.

The store accepts and sells items to the public and offers rough sleepers the chance to get off the streets and into work behind the tills.

It also includes a cafe that allows people to pre-buy refreshments for homeless people.

Charity leaders hope the proceeds from the shop will allow them to buy a property that they will open up to the homeless when needed, particularly in the winter months.

Adam Dandy, who founded the shop with Louise Edwards and Monica Hogg, said the 'amazing’ total of £45,549.73 could not have been raised without the hard work of the volunteers.

He said: “The team of volunteers we have, both there and at our Share HQ in Mold, are like walking angels, without whom none of this would have been possible.”

Explaining the workings of the charity, he added: “Fifty per cent of the money after overheads is being saved to buy a house to take four people who are homeless off the streets of Chester at a time, and find them work.

“Chester Aid to The Homeless (CATH) have offered to support them whilst in the house and when ready, move them on into rented accommodation and then take another four in and so on.

“The other 50 per cent is being used to send much needed aid, such as baby milk, nappies, sleeping bags, tents, food and clothes to refugees all across the world, from Uganda, Greece and even to Syria. 

“Share also sends volunteers out to help distribute this aid where possible as well as providing love, care and support to those who have fled for their lives, often with terrible stories to tell.”

He urged even more people to use the shop and keep the cash rolling in.

“Next time you’re in Chester call in to the ShareShop for a lovely cup of coffee for yourself and buy one for someone less fortunate who very likely slept rough the night before. 

“You can sign your name and a message on the coffee cup to them. You can also hang an item on ourkKindness wall outside the shop, which acts as a 24 hour aid centre for those living on the streets of Chester.”

Mr Dandy added: “I must say a huge thank you to Ann-Marie Chamberlain our ShareShop Manager who along with all her team of volunteers and the entire team at Mold are doing an outstanding job.

“If you or your business would like to get involved, we are looking for weekly sponsors for our coffee. 

“It costs just £200 and provides all of the coffee we need for the shop for the week and gives 100 suspended coffees to those who are homeless.”

l For more information visit www.shareaid.co.uk.