THE latest in the chain of Cancer Reserach charity superstores opened its doors in the borough today (Thursday, 30 July) at Thurrock Shopping Park in West Thurrock.

Professor Sergio Quezada from the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre was VIP guest at the store opening where he chatted to staff and volunteers about how his research is helping to develop new ways to help the body's immune system fight cancer.

The professor was joined by celebrity fashion stylist and TV presenter Mark Heyes.

Mark, who is the resident fashion expert on ITV's Lorraine, helped to cut the ribbon to open the store with Professor Quezada.

The 7,622 sq ft, superstore is more than four times the size of a standard Cancer Research UK shop.

TV presenter Mark Heyes

The superstore is selling electrical items, clothing and soft furnishings, gifts and women's, men's and children's wear - with profits going to fund research.

There's also the opportunity to browse and buy premium, higher value donated items, that used to only be available online but can now be found in the charity's high street shops and superstores.

advertisement

Cancer Research UK superstore manager, Bettina Gjika, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Professor Quezada for giving up his valuable time to speak to our staff and volunteers about his fascinating work.

"We're working towards a world where we can all live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Almost one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime*, but together we can beat it."

The new superstore will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am until 6.30pm, and Sundays from 10am-4pm. More volunteers are needed at the store and donations of good-quality clothes, shoes, bags, books and homeware are welcome.

For more information about Cancer Research UK's shops, visit www.cruk.org/shops or follow @CRUKShops on Instagram.