A WOMAN whose life was transformed by a national charity is now supporting it by managing a fundraising store in Chipping Sodbury.

Jo Ridler, 50, leads a team of 19 volunteers at the Barnardo’s shop in Hatherell’s Yard off the High Street.

She knew from a young age that she had been adopted, but only discovered that it was Barnardo's who helped to find her a new family after her father passed away last year. 

Now she is helping to raise funds for the same charity which turned her life around several decades earlier.

Jo, aged 50, said: “I was adopted at the age of just six weeks old and my adoptive parents told me the truth when I was 12 years old.

“They provided a loving home and a wonderful upbringing, and I’ll be forever grateful that they accepted me into their family. It was a life-changing opportunity.

“However, it was only when I was going through my father’s things after he died last year that I discovered it was Barnardo’s which had helped to place me in a new home.

“I needed to take a break from employment after losing my parents but when I felt ready to return to work I searched online for local vacancies – and Barnardo’s was the first employer to appear.

“I was amazed. I was able to give something back to the charity which had given me a second chance in life.

“They took care of me - and now I’m able to help take care of them.”

Jo and her store associate Denise Sprackman lead a group of volunteers aged from 14 to 65-years-old.

Last year, the team provided more than 1,400 hours of support and received more than 1,300 bags of donations.

In recognition of their efforts and Jo's incredible story, Barnardo’s trustees visited the Chipping Sodbury store as part of a tour of South West children’s services on Thursday, May 18.

Louise Parkes, Barnardo’s director of income and innovation, said: “Jo’s own experience is a really powerful example of how Barnardo’s can give people a better start in life, so we were keen to meet her and learn more about her passion for the charity.

“We hope that her story will encourage support for the shop’s fundraising efforts so that we can continue to help vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the UK.”

The Barnardo’s store is open Monday to Saturday from 9am-5.30pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm.

The team always welcome donations of good-quality clothes, books, toys, games, accessories and bric-a-brac, as well as offers of help from potential volunteers. Call 01454 321929 to find out more.