Shailesh Vara MP recently visited the Sue Ryder Furniture Shop and Café in Stanground with Councillor Chris Harper to see the excellent work that the charity does in the community.

The Central Square shop is the first Sue Ryder of its kind locally offering affordable furniture and homeware in addition to having an onsite café.

Mr Vara and Cllr Harper met with Assistant Store Manager Serena Bull and discussed the vital work being done by volunteers and staff and how the charity’s presence in the community helps towards supporting care at Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.

After the visit Mr Vara said:

“It was a pleasure to meet with Serena and her colleagues who offer a very friendly service in both the shop and café. Sue Ryder plays a significant role for many families in Peterborough at some very difficult times and it is good to see so many local residents supporting them.

“This is a great charity and I was very impressed with the commitment and dedication of all those involved. I very much hope that even more people will visit and support the café and shop.”

Cllr Harper added:

“It was great to welcome our MP on his visit to our ward and I'd particularly like to thank Shailesh for taking the time to visit and speak to the staff and patrons and enjoy lunch in the Sue Ryder Café. This is one of the great meeting points in our ward and Shailesh's support for those that work selflessly for a much loved local charity will be I know hugely welcomed. Ray, Brian and I regularly meet in the cafe for a coffee and chat and always receive a lovely warm welcome.”

Serena Bull, Assistant Manager for Sue Ryder Stanground said:

“What a lovely surprise staff and volunteers had at Sue Ryder Café/ furniture shop. Mr Vara and Councillor Harper popped into our café for lunch. They introduced themselves to all the staff and lovely volunteers and were both very interested in what Sue Ryder do and the impact our community café have in the Stanground area. We are looking forward to another visit soon as it helps the community realise the help and support they can access from their MPs and Councillors.”

Photo: Shailesh Vara MP, Ken Davies, Serena Bull, Linda Martinez-Christian and Cllr Chris Harper.