THE British Heart Foundation Cymru’s home store in Wrexham is appealing to the local community to donate their unwanted items before Christmas.

The charity shop on the High Street has reopened following the recent fire-break lockdown and desperately needs stock to help raise funds for life-saving research.

During the pandemic and the town’s local lockdowns BHF Cymru has missed the local community’s generous donations of preloved items such as sofas, beds, kitchenware and electrical items.

Nick Harrison, manager of BHF Wrexham’s home store, appealed for local people doing a pre-Christmas clear out at home to make a donation. Every item sold will be turned into funds for research that could help transform the lives of the 340,000 people in Wales living with heart and circulatory diseases.

“Like all charity shops this year has been a tough one for us said Nick. “We’re back open now and our staff and volunteers are here to welcome our customers safely into the store. Our free collections service is now back up and running, with Covid-secure measures in place and is available to book online. We are more than happy to receive any quality unwanted furniture, electrical and homewares so we can continue to raise money in support of our lifesaving research.

“It’s easy to donate and depending on your preference, our van crews will either collect from your room of choice, your doorstep or an alternative safe access point. All collections will be signature free.”

The coronavirus crisis has had a devastating impact on the BHF’s income, leading to a potential £50 million cut in research funding and the delay of important scientific breakthroughs. It is now urgently asking the local community to support it by simply donating good quality items that they have been clearing out while at home.

Head of BHF Cymru Adam Fletcher said: “We currently fund £3m into research in Wales to help prevent, treat and cure heart and circulatory diseases. Every pound raised in our shops helps us to support the 340,000 people in Wales living with heart and circulatory diseases, many of whom are at increased risk from Covid-19. Shopping at the BHF or donating your quality items will help us to help them.”

BHF shops and stores have measures in place to keep staff, volunteers and customers safe. Customers will also be able to donate items at contact-free donation points set up at BHF shop entrances.

The BHF home store is located on 31 Regent Street, Wrexham. To contact the store please call 01978 884 140.

To book a free collection visit https://www.bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods/book-furniture-collection-near-me