A Shropshire charity is feeling the effects of the bad weather after trade at its 19 shops fell by 20 per cent – raising fears over funding for patients across the region suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

Plummeting temperatures and snowfalls have resulted in a drop in sales at Severn Hospice’s charity shops across Shropshire and Mid Wales during what should have been the busiest time of the year for retailers.

Big businesses and High Street traders across the country have seen their profit margins dented by the recent snow and ice.

But staff at the hospice’s retail department say a dip in sales for them has an even bigger impact as money they take goes towards providing care for people suffering from life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer.

Sian Bailey, Severn Hospice’s trading manager, said she hoped sales would pick up in the new year but has urged people to continue to show their support throughout a lean time for the charity.

She said: “As an independent charity, the hospice has to raise around two-thirds of its income itself. Our network of shops provides a vital contribution to this overall fundraising target.

“Understandably, many shoppers have decided to stay indoors during the recent cold snap which has resulted in a drop in sales on what we usually would expect for this time of year.

“Our volunteers have made an incredible effort to get in to work and, as a result, I’m pleased to say all of our shops have remained open during the bad weather.

“Thank you to all those who have made a purchase at our stores recently and we hope to see an increase in shoppers after Christmas.”

All of the hospice’s shops will be open for normal trading hours over the festive period, excluding bank holidays.

However, the Severn Hospice Appeals’ Office will be closed until January 4.

Anybody wishing to make a donation during this time can do so at their nearest hospice shop.

By Sam Pinnington