The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has unveiled a new fashion and home shop at Anlaby Retail Park in Hull, inviting locals to join them for the opening weekend.
The store was officially opened on Thursday, 11 July, by Kerry Ryan-Moorhouse, The British Heart Foundation's area manager.
Kerry has a personal connection to the cause, as her daughter Willow underwent open heart surgery at just four months old in 2014.
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Willow arrived four weeks early on 26 September 2014. Kerry said: "Shortly after Willow was born she stopped breathing."
"The team worked to revive her and initially we were told there weren't any issues with Willow's heart and we were able to bring her home."
In the initial months, Willow was constantly sleeping and struggling to thrive. Kerry described her as looking 'grey', which was later attributed to her not receiving enough oxygenated blood. Just before Christmas, Kerry took Willow to a routine appointment.
"Just five days before Christmas we took Willow to what we thought was a routine appointment. During that appointment we were told Willow was in heart failure due to ventricular septal defect (VSD), a congenital heart defect which meant she had a large hole in her heart."
On 16 February 2015, Willow underwent open heart surgery to correct her Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). For her parents, it was recounted as the most challenging and enduring period of their lives, acutely aware of the associated risks.
Kerry anxiously awaited news, and after a gruelling four hours, they got word from the medical team that Willow had made it through the operation and was in recovery. Kerry recalled the moment when her husband tenderly stroked Willow's cheek and she reacted; it was then they felt a surge of hope.
"My husband stroked Willow's cheek and she responded to his touch. It was at this point that we knew she would be ok. Despite the ringing of the machines and all the tubes that surrounded our little four-month-old baby girl. She was going to be ok."
Now at nine years old, Willow is thriving and very much keeping her family on their toes. Regular yearly check-ups are scheduled to monitor her condition and progress.
The support from the British Heart Foundation holds a special significance for Willow's family, who recognise that without the charity's commitment to funding critical heart research, the teams that saved their daughter might have faced greater challenges.
"Without the support of the British Heart Foundation and the work they do to fund life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases, the medical teams that saved comfortable would not be here. And for that I am eternally grateful and proud to be supporting opening of this new shop. All the money raised in the shops and stores helps fund the charity's research."
Customers can explore collections of homeware and fashion, including sofas and upholstery, as well as menswear, womenswear and children's clothing. The shop, Hull's only BHF fashion shop, is carefully curated into trends, making it easy for customers to browse.
Richard Lay, Senior Area Manager at the British Heart Foundation, said: "We are thrilled to have opened here in Hull and give shoppers a fantastic retail experience in this retail park. Since the lease ended at our shop in Prospect Street, we have been on the hunt for a new space and we couldn't be more excited to bring the people of Hull this incredible new shop."
"From clothing to furniture, there's something for everyone! And all the money we raise helps fund life saving research to help families like Willow and Kerry. Please do come and support us. Browse the selection of items on sale, speak to the team about volunteering and make new friends, and drop off any donations you might have. We'll never turn your donations away."
The new shop is open 7 days a week and can be found at Anlaby Retail Park, Hull, HU10 6RJ.
