Yorkshire Cancer Research charity shop in Ilkley shortlisted for prestigious national award

Thanks to supporters, the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Ilkley has been shortlisted for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards.

Since opening in January 2025, the shop has invited people from Ilkley and beyond to shop, donate and volunteer for life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire.

Located on the town’s iconic promenade The Grove, the Ilkley shop is fitted with bright, stylish interiors and natural plants. People who step through its doors will discover three floors of high-quality new and pre-loved treasures - from men’s, ladies’ and children’s fashion and accessories to books, homeware and media.

The Ilkley shop is one of 16 Yorkshire Cancer Research locations across the region dedicated to funding vital progress in cancer research. Every purchase helps the charity find new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire. 

Each year, the Ilkley shop is expected to raise £150,000 for life-saving research and innovative cancer services, helping more people in Yorkshire live longer, healthier, cancer-free lives. 

Rosa Sargent, Ilkley Shop Manager at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “The Ilkley shop team are so pleased to have been shortlisted for this award. Thank you to everyone who has dropped off their pre-loved items, made a purchase or volunteered their time since the shop opened. Your support helps the charity continue its life-saving work.”

Keen to develop new skills, Shindo Kaur-Mold started as a volunteer in May 2024 before becoming a Yorkshire Cancer Research employee as the Deputy Shop Manager of the Ilkley shop at the start of this year.

Shindo Kaur-Mold, Ilkley Deputy Shop Manager at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “The Ilkley Yorkshire Cancer Research team are entrusted to give people an enjoyable shopping experience and help them discover pre-loved treasures that have been generously donated by the community. Seeing people contribute to life-saving cancer research by shopping and donating makes every day so rewarding. Working at the Yorkshire Cancer Research Ilkley shop has honestly changed my life; I just absolutely love it.”

A dedicated team of volunteers generously give their time to sort stock, create eye-catching displays, and offer a warm welcome to everyone who visits the shop. Among them is Shindo’s husband, Jonathon, who has been volunteering since the shop first opened.

Jonathon said: “When I saw Shindo coming home with a spring in her step and a glint in her eye, I thought - the Yorkshire Cancer Research charity shop must be a nice place to spend your time. Now we’re both in the Ilkley store together, and along the way we’ve grown and learnt a lot. Volunteering here is all about Yorkshire, as we help fund research for people in our county, and I’m happy to have contributed positively to a worthy cause.”

Irene Rothnie, Chair of the Yorkshire Cancer Research Local Voluntary Group in Ilkley, loves visiting the shop and often hears from others in the community about how much they enjoy it too. 

Irene said: “Ilkley is home to many beautiful shops, and the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop is a joyful addition. Its vibrant window displays draw people in with colour and creativity and inside, the space is thoughtfully laid out, making it easy for people in Ilkley to browse wonderful items – from glitzy trainers and elegant dresses to ceramics, books, and children’s toys. Not only do the friendly shop team create a welcoming atmosphere, but they do a great job of communicating the impact of the charity’s life-saving work.”

The Awards, run by the Charity Retail Association, are now in their second year and are a celebration of the impact that charity shops have within their local communities. People up and down the country are now voting for their favourite charity shop before the votes close at midnight on 2 October.