PRE-LOVED fashion is the latest fund-raising theme for a hospice with designer and high street brands of clothing being donated to stores in Yate and Chipping Sodbury and across South Gloucestershire to raise money.

Charity St Peter’s Hospice, which cares for adults with life-limiting illnesses, has launched a new Spring/Summer collection of clothing in its 47 shops to raise funds.

The campaign has been fronted by those who have been supported by the hospice as well as staff members including Lee-Anne Masters, whose husband was cared for by the charity and Emily Ball an aspiring model working at the Yate hospice shop.

Second-hand items of clothing from French Connection, Topshop, Dolce and Gabbana, Paul Smith and Armani can all be found on the rails of the stores.

Paul Chivers, head of retail at St Peter’s Hospice, said: “We are finding that more and more people are recognising the many benefits of buying second-hand.

“Websites like Ebay and Depop are so popular now as people swap clothes that they’d usually never wear again. The great thing about buying from a local charity shop is that you can try the items on while you shop and you can see the quality up close for yourself.

“The clothes we put out on our rails are always of a great quality and some even still have the tags on. We regularly see designer items being donated and we go on to sell them for less than half the original price meaning shoppers get stylish items without breaking the bank.

“There’s the added fun of shopping at charity shops like St Peter’s Hospice, as you never know what hidden gem you’re going to find.

"As the season is changing now is the perfect time to try it out and see what you can find.

“Updating your wardrobe with a few key items or even giving it a complete makeover will be great for your image but you’ll also be helping to support a vital local charity, which provides care for those who need it.”

St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year as well as supporting family members, and all services are provided free of charge with the care costing around £18,000 a day.

For around £14,000 of that, the hospice relies on gifts in wills, kind donations and funds generated by the hospice shops.

Mr Chivers added: “Of course we wouldn’t have the wonderful things to sell if it weren’t for the kind donations from our supporters. Anyone who’s sorting out their wardrobe ready for summer, please do remember to drop your pre-loved items at one of our shops.

“Updating your wardrobe at St Peter’s Hospice makes great sense – you’ll have new look, more money in your purse and you’ll be supporting Bristol’s only adult hospice at the same time.”

To find your nearest St Peter’s Hospice shop visit www.stpetershospice.org.uk.