VOLUNTEERS at Southend Hospital’s first charity shop celebrated its second birthday.

In just a year, the shop has raised £30,000 for the hospital’s £600,000 Keyhole Cancer Appeal to buy state-of-the-art 3D equipment.

The feat is thanks to a devoted band of more than 25 volunteers who man the shop six days a week. Voluntary services manager Jane O’Connell said: “We couldn’t have done it without their dedication.

They work so hard – the shop wouldn’t be the success it is without them.”

The shop began in April 2012 in London Road, Westcliff, but moved to Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, that October. And it has been so successful the hospital’s fundraising team recently opened a second store in Leigh Broadway West, which is bringing in money for the wards and departments.

Volunteers are still needed to help at both premises.

If you can help, call Jane O’Connell on 01702 435555, ext 6135, or email jane.