History Being Made in Hitchin this Saturday

History is being made in Hitchin this Saturday with the opening of the Dr Hadwen Trust's (DHT) first charity shop. The shop, located at 16 Churchyard, will stock only vegan goods which are not derived from animals.

Said Dr Kay Miller, of the DHT, "We fund innovative, cutting-edge medical research which replaces the animals that are traditionally used in research. Having a presence on the high street will help raise the profile of the DHT and make people aware that cruelty-free medical research is possible.

We are really pleased with the innovative and contemporary design of the shop which mirrors the innovative and contemporary research that we fund."

Continued Dr Miller, "We have been overwhelmed with the support we have received. Just four weeks ago we started a crowdfunding campaign to help fund the shop fit, and over 300 people made pledges which helped us smash our fundraising target."

"From the beginning we wanted to ensure that our shop broke the usual charity shop mould, whilst at the same time ensuring that the design was sympathetic to Hitchin's historic Churchyard. We've achieved this with the help of 50 of the good people of Hitchin whose opinions helped create the sign design, and Paul of Hitchin's 'Bespoke Signs' who brought the design to life."

"As we were keen to use local trades people, our building work was completed by Beckham Installations and Matt Beckham even donated a fridge for the shop! Local businesses like Travis Perkins and Edmundson Electrics have donated sanitary ware, kitchen units, lights and light fittings, and Marks & Spencer in Cambridge donated mannequins. In addition, a number of vegan businesses have donated brand new products for us to sell."

"It really has been a humbling experience", said Dr Miller, "especially meeting the volunteers who have committed to working in our shop. Hitchin is fortunate to call itself home to so many decent, caring, generous people who are willing to give up their time in support of a great cause."

The official opening of the DHT's shop is taking place at 3.00 pm this Saturday, 15th August. The opening ceremony is being performed by actor Peter Egan. The Downton Abbey and Ever Decreasing Circles star is a Patron of the DHT and a renowned animal rights advocate.

For more information about the DHT please visit: www.drhadwentrust.org

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