BRIDGWATER'S new Cancer Research UK Superstore opened its doors to customers for the first time yesterday (Thursday, August 27).

It was officially opened by Bridgwater cancer survivor Sarah Seaman at a special opening ceremony.

Sarah was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus after doctors discovered an 11-inch tumour growing in her gullet just weeks after she found it difficult to swallow.

She was treated successfully in 2012 following chemo and radiotherapy treatment, and was delighted to be invited to be the guest of honour on Thursday.

Located at Bridgwater Retail Park, the shop is 8,000 sq. ft selling everything from furniture to electrical items, clothing and soft furnishings.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Sarah, a retired pharmacy supervisor, explained: “Cancer is a disease which has been in my life for so long now that I feel so proud to be opening this community superstore.

“My aunty also went through cancer of the oesophagus and I remember the pain she went through many years before my diagnosis. I was told that without treatment my life would have been cut very short.

“Thanks to research I am still here and to have attended my daughter’s wedding just after finishing treatment. I have been able to watch my six grandchildren grow up, which is all down to the advances in treating cancer.”

Special measures in being taken in wake of the coronavirus, including social distancing, hand sanitiser stations, cough guards at till points, face coverings and gloves for shop staff and volunteers, additional cleaning and a 48-hour quarantine period for donated items.

Josephine Mewitt, head of retail operations for the charity, said: “Cancer Research UK funds nearly 50 per cent of the cancer research in the UK.

"Every day, every pound counts, so I hope people in Somerset will support this new superstore so that we can help keep making new discoveries.

“Covid-19 has hit us hard and as a result we expect to see our fundraising income decline by up to 30 per cent in the financial year ahead – putting this research at risk.

Store manager, Kate Best added: “As a Bridgwater resident I am delighted to be the manager here. I hope people will pop in and discover the huge range of quality items on offer at bargain prices.

"There’s plenty of free parking right outside, so it is easy to drop off any unwanted items to donate to us.

“We’re very happy to have Sarah declare the store open. Her story really brings home the importance of raising funds to support the charity’s ground-breaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”

The store has a number of volunteer roles on offer from serving customers to merchandising the displays.

The Bridgwater superstore will be open from 9.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.