Cancer Research urged to rethink charity shop closure - as it's become a vital community resource
Cancer Research UK is being criticised for failing to meet with campaigners trying to save their shop in Plymouth's Stoke village from closure
Hundreds of people have now signed a book - sharing memories of a Devon charity shop and calling on Cancer Research UK not to close it.
Plymouth City councillors have also joined the fight to save the stoke village shop, which has been there for 35 years.
Stoke ward’s three Labour councillors, Jemima Laing, Tom Briars-Delve and Sally Cresswell, have all contacted Cancer Research UK urging them for a meeting ahead of the closure in June - calling it a 'shock decision' which leaves them with “great sadness in our hearts.”
“It’s extremely disappointing that no one will meet with us,” said Cllr Laing, who is also deputy leader at the city council.
“We have been contacted by many residents who are really upset that a shop, which has been part of the fabric of life in Stoke for decades, will be closing with very little warning.
“People have described it to me as a ‘hub’ which is so much more than a shop and offers a listening ear to people, often grieving, as they drop off their donations. The staff and volunteers are also wonderful ambassadors for the charity.”
After visiting the shop two weeks ago to offer their support to the staff and volunteers the councillors decided to write to the charity to see if they could have a discussion with the people making the decision.
“Sadly they have refused to do that."
“We understand that sometimes organisations have to make difficult decisions,“ said Cllr Briars-Delve.
“We also appreciate that charities like Cancer Research UK - which do such incredible work - have to make sure charitable funds are used effectively but we would really have liked the opportunity to underline to the people making the decision what a huge part this shop plays in the life of Stoke and its residents.
“The offer to meet is still there, so we hope they will rethink.”
In response, a Cancer Research UK spokesperson said: "In March 2025, we made the difficult decision to close our Cancer Research UK shop in Stoke, Plymouth. This decision was not taken lightly, as we understand the significant impact a shop closure can have on the community.
"We have a responsibility to ensure that we are using charity funds effectively and efficiently to maximise our contribution to life-saving research. Whilst we explore all avenues before making the decision to close a shop, unfortunately, the Stoke (Plymouth) shop was no longer a financially viable option.
"All staff and volunteers of the Stoke (Plymouth) Cancer Research UK shop were informed, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for their wonderful support and commitment since the shop opened in August 1990. For the community who this closure will impact, we understand that our online store is not a direct replacement but we have plenty of products available from trendy homeware to quirky wedding favours, as well as our eBay and Depop stores selling affordable fashion and homewares, with profits funding life-saving research.
"Our shop teams are the face of Cancer Research UK in local communities and are powerful ambassadors for the charity, spreading the word about our mission to beat cancer. We remain committed to our mission and will continue to find ways to engage and support the community in our fight against cancer."