West Ham United legend Sir Trevor Brooking cut the ribbon to open a new ‘superstore’ charity shop in Hornchurch to raise funds for hospice end-of-life care.

The former England star is patron of Saint Francis Hospice charity at Havering-atte-Bower and regularly lends a hand to open new branches to its chain of 14 charity shops, like the one he opened in Woodford in the summer.  

A queue formed outside the store in Hornchurch before shoppers could browse the shelves and racks of clothes, accessories, homeware, electricals and furniture.

Sir Trevor spent time chatting and having photos taken with shoppers looking for a bargain.

The new store also had a visit from Hospice UK national charity’s chief executive Toby Porter, who campaigns for more government funding.

“We inevitably would like a level of resources from the NHS so we didn’t have to open more shops for revenue to run our care services,” Toby admitted.

“But hospice shops are wonderful things anyway — they are a part of our communities and perform social functions in many ways.

“People can buy good-value clothing if they are struggling financially. Many hospice volunteers come to the shops because of the companionship and purpose while these shops raise money for hospice care.”

The new Hornchurch store is the 14th fundraising outlet for Saint Francis in its catchment area of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Brentwood, and west Essex.

Sir Trevor was welcomed by Saint Francis charity’s retail director Michelle Nicholls, who revealed how the new outlet was saving thousands in running costs.

She said: “The Hornchurch store brings together the two shops we previously had along the High Street that enables us to save £60,000 a year. This helps more people who need our compassionate end-of-life care services.”

The shops are an important income source for the charity as well as being a central part of the community for the past 30 years ago.

Wellwishers support the hospice by donating their “preloved” goods or by volunteering, as well as shopping.

The new store was opened in time for Hospice Care Week from October 7 to 13, a nationwide awareness week putting a spotlight on end-of-life care. This year’s theme is about retail.