Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay joined supporters, volunteers and staff today at local charity DebRA’s shop to celebrate its 1st anniversary of trading in Crowthorne. A special DebRA birthday cake was cut by Mr. MacKay and attendees enjoyed a celebratory glass of bucks fizz to toast a successful first year for the charity shop which is based at 188 Dukes Ride, Crowthorne.
DebRA is the national charity that supports families affected by the genetic skin blistering condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) that affects at least 5,000 children and adults across the UK. DebRA’s award-winning chain of shops is a major part of its fundraising activity and helps the charity to provide a nursing and welfare service, and commission world-leading research into effective treatments.
16 year-old Gemma Sturgess from Reading who has EB Simplex with muscular dystrophy also joined in with celebrations on the day. Gemma, who has been nominated for the Child of Courage award at this year’s Pride of Reading Awards, continues to enjoy life despite having experienced a difficult time over the past three years going in and out of hospital.
Mr MacKay, who opened the Crowthorne shop last year, said: “DebRA carries out vital work in the community, in hospital clinics and in the research labs. This shop has an important role in the community and local people have played an important part supporting the shop.
“EB is a devastating genetic condition and in many cases couples are unaware they carry the gene until their baby is born. Luckily DebRA nurses are always on hand to provide support and medical attention to families affected by EB but in turn they need the support of local communities.
“I would urge people in Crowthorne and the surrounding areas to continue their support, knowing they are directly helping families affected by EB.”
Amanda Mclean, Director of Fundraising and Communications at DebRA added: “DebRA shops are so successful because of the unwavering support of local shoppers. We wish to thank everyone for their support over the past year and look forward to their continued support.”
The shop is open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday and sells a large range of bric-a-brac, clothing, books, furniture, household items and accessories.
For more information about DebRA, please visit www.debra.org.uk.
