Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People has opened its first ever shop in Newark.

The charity, which provides palliative and end-of-life care for babies, children, and young people from the East Midlands, launched in the town in August.

Opening the shop with Rainbows chief executive Jane Burns was Sian Lawrence, the mum of five-year-old Amelia Pepper, of Newark.

Amelia has a rare disorder that means she has a chromosome deletion and a duplication, which affects her development and health. Amelia and her parents, Sian and Callum Pepper, and brother, Atlas (two), all receive care and support from Rainbows.

Sian said: “As a family who are supported by Rainbows, it is wonderful to see a new shop opening in our hometown, it means so much to us and it is very special to be asked to be part of the official opening.

“One of the things that we appreciate the most is Rainbows allows us freedom to be able to do everything we want; it’s perfect for Amelia and Atlas.

“There are no timescales, no appointments and no stress. We have so many magical memories and it is incredible to capture the moments as a family.

“Amelia is such a joy, a wonderful and brave princess that I am lucky to call my daughter. She is always amazing us, every single day with pure strength and happiness. Her giggles and smiles brighten the hardest of days and I never take a day for granted.

“At Rainbows she loves music therapy and both children love the lights in the Multisensory Room. They have the complete freedom and safety to be whom they are meant to be, and I can’t thank Rainbows enough for that.

“Rainbows has been there for us in the darkest of times and I cannot be more grateful for the love and support they give us.

“This shop is a visible reminder of the love, care and hope, and of the difference Rainbows makes to families like ours every single day. Knowing that the community of Newark will now help to sustain that support for other families facing the unimaginable means everything to us.”

The shop, located at 21 Kirk Gate, sells clothes, jewellery, toys and books, bric-a-brac, homeware, and more.

Hannah Coventry, associate director of Retail at Rainbows, added: “We are so excited to have opened our first shop in Newark. We started taking donations a few weeks ago and we have been overwhelmed and blown away by the kindness and generosity of the local community.

“At Rainbows, we rely on our supporters to help us raise money to provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care, and the people of Newark and surrounding areas have just been wonderful in doing that.

“We would love people to come along and see the new store, pick up some bargains and help support babies, children and young people from the area with life-limiting illnesses. Also, we always want your unwanted items so please drop off donations at our dedicated donation point in the store with free parking.

“Thank you to everyone for supporting us.”

To find out more about the Newark shop, donations, opening times and booking a collection, go to rainbows.co.uk/newark

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