Second Yorkshire Cancer Research shop comes to Skipton

Following the success of its first shop in the town, Yorkshire Cancer Research has opened a second charity shop in Skipton to help bring more cancer cures to people in Yorkshire.

Set against the beautiful Yorkshire landscape on Keighley Road, the new shop is the charity’s first fashion-focused store, offering a rich selection of high-quality, new and pre-loved men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories.  

Visitors to the new shop will discover a bright, sleek space with wooden panelling, vibrant plants and a friendly Yorkshire Cancer Research shop team ready to help shoppers who want to learn more about the charity’s life-saving work.  

The new store is the latest addition to the charity’s expanding retail network of 16 shops. Yorkshire Cancer Research has ambitious plans to have a shop on every high street in Yorkshire, so people from every corner of the region can shop and donate to help save lives.  

Mary Walton, Retail Area Manager at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “I’m passionate about being part of the Retail team at Yorkshire Cancer Research, where every shop plays a vital role in funding ground-breaking cancer research across the region. 

The opening of the Keighley Road shop has been made by possible thanks to the generosity of the Skipton community who have supported Yorkshire Cancer Research’s first shop in the town since it opened in 2023.  

The Craven Court shop has welcomed thousands of people from the town and beyond, raising over £645,000 to help fund pioneering cancer research, so more people in Yorkshire can enjoy more moments together.

Sarah Waterhouse is one of many passionate volunteers who have contributed to the shop’s success, generously giving her time to support pioneering cancer research in Yorkshire.  

Sarah said: “I remember first stepping into the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop and being impressed by its lovely atmosphere and colourful displays. I wanted to volunteer to support the charity’s work as many of my family members and friends have experienced cancer.

In North Yorkshire, around 63 people are told they have cancer every week, and sadly, around 36 people die. Yorkshire Cancer Research funds £75 million of life-saving research and services to find innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.

This includes Active Together, the research-backed cancer exercise treatment service funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and designed by Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre. Active Together has recently expanded to Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, giving people in Skipton and the surrounding areas the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of exercise to support their cancer treatment.  

Nick Bergin, from Skipton, leads the Active Together service in Airedale, having applied for the role after his sister sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2022. Wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps and honour his aunty, Nick’s son, Samuel, spent time volunteering at the Craven Court Skipton shop, learning new skills and sorting out donations. 

Samuel said: “Sadly, too many people and their families are affected by cancer, including mine. It was important to me to volunteer at Yorkshire Cancer Research – to help others who may have gone through something similar to my family. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved so far and know that every hour spent in the shop is helping to save lives in Yorkshire.” 

Tony Graham, Director of Retail, Services and Operations at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Opening a second store in Skipton is a positive milestone for the charity, made possible by the support of those who live in and visit Skipton. The charity looks forward to working with both shop teams in the town to raise crucial income for pioneering cancer research, helping the charity move closer to its vision of a Yorkshire free from cancer.”  

The Skipton Keighley Road shop is open from 9:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10:30am to 4:30pm on Sundays.