New hospital charity shop will help raise funds

Blue Skies, the official charity of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, has opened a new shop to help raise vital funds for patients – with help from charity ambassadors Syd Little and his wife Sheree. 

The charity, also celebrating its 30th year in 2025, recently opened the new facility based in the cardiac outpatients area at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Syd and Sheree were on hand to cut the ribbon and help declare it formally open. 

Made possible thanks to the dedication and generosity of local companies, the shop sells hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks. 

Kila Redfearn, head of Blue Skies, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to be opening our second shop within the hospital, this will ensure that we have regular income coming in to the charity which will help enhance patient care in our hospitals in Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre. 

“We could not have done this without the support of local businesses and all those who gave their time to help.” 

Thanks to all those companies and individuals contributing, including: 

• IHP (Vinci Construction)

• Beaverbrooks 

• Atlas 

• D&G Builders 

• Mediaprint 

• Allcool 

• CMH Fire and Security 

• John Glenholme