A FLINTSHIRE schoolgirl was the guest of honour at the official opening of a charity shop which is set to raise funds for the hospice that has helped her since birth.

When little Evie Davies was born, everything was perfect for about eight weeks, then one night, Evie began to have severe fits and was rushed to hospital.

After weeks of tests the Treuddyn youngster, was diagnosed with West Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy.

Mum Linda contacted Tŷ Gobaith for help and Evie's family has been assisted by the charity ever since.

This week, the 10-year-old Ysgol Pen Coch pupil was joined by her mum and some school friends to cut the ribbon of the new Hope House Children’s Hospice charity shop and officially open the shop on Flintshire Retail Park in Flint.

Linda says that the family has been going to Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospice since Evie was a baby and are glad that her story will hopefully help the hospice raise vital funds to continue their work in the community.

She told the Leader: “Going to Tŷ Gobaith was the best thing that ever happened to us. We were really nervous and scared but from the minute we walked through the door the nurses welcomed us all with love and expertise.

“They have the skills to cope with Evie’s complex condition and are brilliant at looking after the rest of us too. We are so grateful to Tŷ Gobaith for everything they do. They are amazing.

"Every penny that comes into this new shop really will count towards helping families just like us. When we go, we know that Evie is in a safe place and being looked after really well."

The new hospice shop, which is based between the Poundland and Farmfoods units, is Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith’s fifteenth store in the region.

Speaking at the official opening, the hospice's commercial director Andrew Fergus said: "I would like to give a huge thanks to our supporters, the wonderful volunteers and of course Evie and her family for coming to help open the latest shop in our retail business in support of Hope House Children’s Hospice’s which we are so, so proud of.

“I am very pleased to say that, in 2019, the 14 shops that we have at the moment raised a combined £750,000 for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith so it is clear to see that they play a huge part in allowing us to provide all of the support and care services which so many families, like Evie’s rely upon.

“Having a new shop here in Flint will bring a source of great pride to us. It is wonderful to be back in Flintshire and we are sure it will be a great success."

The Flint shop will sell everything from fashion for all the family, to ornaments and homeware, and plenty for children including books and toys, and volunteers say they would be delighted to receive any donations of stock.

The shop currently has six volunteers working at the site but have said people of all ages and experience levels are welcome to call into the store and see what opportunities to help out are available.

Those who would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities or how to donate stock can contact the Flint shop directly by calling 01352 733485 or visiting the team at Flintshire Retail Park in Flint.