Celebrity Sue Johnston opens Charity Christmas Card Shop

More than 30 local and national charities, including Francis House Children’s Hospice, are provided with a stall to sell their charity Christmas cards in the run up to Christmas.

Wilmslow resident Sue, known for playing Sheila Grant in the soap opera Brookside, Barbara Royle in the comedy The Royle Family and Miss Denker in Downton performed the official opening after being contacted by Sheila Hallas, founder of the Christmas Card Shops.

Sue said: “I was delighted to support such an incredible local initiative as they reopen this year. I am amazed that it has been running for 50 years and has raised £5.5 million.

“Even though I shop here every year, I am particularly pleased to help out this year as I know how hard it has been for all charities and anything that we can do to help is good. The range of cards available means I won’t be going anywhere else for mine.”

More than 300 different card designs are available to purchase until December 11.

Sheila Hallas, MBE and founder of the Christmas Card Shops, said: “We were thrilled that Sue could attend to launch our 2021 shop. This year is our half century celebration, and we are thrilled that someone as busy as Sue has given up her time to open the shop.”

Ms Johnston spent 30 minutes chatting with customers and volunteers whilst browsing the shop and buying cards and some festive gifts.

The Wilmslow shop is open every day, except Sunday, until December 11.

Francis House cards are also available to purchase from Knutsford Curzon cinema, Wednesdays to Saturday only until December 3.

Altrincham library from November 13 until November 27 during standard library working hours.

Francis House is very grateful to Sheila, Charity Christmas Cards and all the volunteers for providing a shop window to display our cards.