Marjorie Gray’s Long Connection to Lanchester’s Red Cross Shop Consett Magazine

The British Red Cross is a volunteer-led charity helping people in crisis, in the UK and around the world. It’s work helps people prepare for, cope with and recover from life’s toughest moments — all funded by donations and charity shops.

Marjorie Gray Outside the British Red Cross Shop in Lanchester — Marjorie Gray stands at the entrance of the British Red Cross charity shop in Lanchester, a familiar place connected to decades of local volunteering and community support.

One of those shops is in Lanchester, where every donation or purchase of pre-loved clothes, books and homeware helps change lives locally and globally. The shop has a very special supporter in 98-year-old Marjorie Gray, its longest-serving volunteer. A familiar face for decades, Marjorie still pops in weekly for a chat. She’s known for her love of dancing, gardening and birdwatching — and believes dancing has kept her nimble well into her 90s.

Inside the British Red Cross Shop in Lanchester — A customer is served at the counter inside the British Red Cross charity shop in Lanchester, where donated clothing, books and household items help raise funds for people facing crisis. photography by **Juan Fitzgerald**

For Marjorie, the best part of the shop is the people. From fellow volunteers to the shop team, it’s a place of friendship, laughter and community — and a perfect example of the spirit of the British Red Cross.

Marjorie Gray’s Long Connection to Lanchester’s Red Cross Shop

The British Red Cross is a volunteer-led charity helping people in crisis, in the UK and around the world. It’s work helps people prepare for, cope with and recover from life’s toughest moments — all funded by donations and charity shops.

Story and photography by Juan Fitzgerald, Communities in Focus

Tags

Your story belongs on Consett Magazine

More from Consett Magazine