TV and radio personality Leanne Campbell shared a moving story about a woman who lost her husband to a heart attack as she officially opened the new North West Air Ambulance superstore in Southport.
The award-winning broadcaster and actress, who has presented series including Britain’s Got Talent, was invited to cut the red ribbon and declare the 5,000 sq ft new store open at Meols Cop retail park in Kew.
She was joined by shoppers, volunteers, and by NWAA Chief Executive Heather Arrowsmith and NWAA Head of Operations Dave Whittle.
The new North West Air Ambulance charity superstore complements the existing NWAA shop on Tulketh Street in Southport town centre, with all funds raised through sales going to support the life-saving work of the charity.
Speaking at the opening, Leanne Campbell said: “Thank you all for supporting me. And it’s always my duty to support this team, one of the most hard working teams I know.
“We have got so many charities and so many people we know we need to support in 2025, as times get tougher for everyone.
“I think what’s important to remember today, as you’re shopping around, is that we can’t do what we do as a charity without your support, 100%.
“This team relies on you. It has no Government support; no support from the NHS; it’s 100% you.
“The reason I started getting involved with this charity was after hearing a story from someone who follows me.
“I was asking who I should donate some money to that I had raised – and she said ‘it has to be the North West Air Ambulance’.
“Her husband sadly passed away at 40 years old. He had a heart attack in traffic on his way to work.
“He passed before she could get to him. He passed before an ambulance could get to him with the traffic.
“But the air ambulance got there; and they held his hand so he didn’t pass alone.
“She said that was the only thing that got her through.
“The only meaning to her life when she woke up in the morning was the face of the person who held his hand who said ‘he wasn’t scared and he wasn’t on his own’.
“That is just one example of why this is so important and I am sure it will hit everybody. I hope it does. It hits me every time I think about it.
“That is why I am here today, and that is why you’re here.
“And whether you pick up a pack of Christmas cards, or something that’s brand new that Very has donated; whether you spend a lot or a tiny bit; it all makes a difference.
“On behalf of me and everyone here working so hard we can now say this shop is officially open.”
Dave Whittle Senior Head of Operations said: “What should a charity shop look like? We had a workshop a few weeks ago that involved several different people from several locations including a social media influencer by the name of Robin. You’ll notice Robin’s stamp on the building as you go around. Robin has been amazing.
“What should a charity shop look like? How do we engage with the community?
“How do we provide a special experience for our donors, our supporters, and our customers?
“That’s what we have tried to deliver for you here.”
The new North West Air Ambulance charity superstore offers a large range of pre-loved fashion, furniture, books, and homeware.
Every item shoppers buy and every donation you make helps to keep the air ambulance crew flying and saving lives across the North West.
To help make the new shop a success, the charity is asking for the community’s support:
- Donate: Bring along high-quality, gently used clothing, furniture, household items, bric-a-brac, books, etc.
- Volunteer: Join the team – just a few hours each week can make a huge difference.
- Shop: Pick up bargains while supporting a lifesaving charity.
NWAA’s new superstore charity shop is located on Kew Retail Park, Unit 4A , Southport PR8 5RG.
To get involved, donate or volunteer, please visit: nwairambulance.org.uk
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