Alice Beer at Volunteers' Week

Alice Beer, celebrity Patron for CLIC Sargent, joined staff and volunteers to help out at the charity’s shop in Oxford.

The television presenter’s visit to the London Road branch on Friday 5 June was timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of National Volunteers’ Week (Monday June 1st to Sunday June 7th). CLIC Sargent used the UK's annual celebration of volunteering to thank its own committed group of volunteers and Alice’s volunteering stint was one of a number of activities that took place across the charity to mark the event.

Alice travelled from her home in London to spend the day getting to grips with the running of the shop and had the chance to try her hand at a variety of tasks. These ranged from working on the till and chatting to customers to sorting, steaming, pricing and hanging stock.

During the day Alice, who has been a CLIC Sargent Patron for the more than five years, was also be able to meet with the volunteers who give up their time to lend a hand in the Oxford shop.  

Alice said:  "Every day I protect my children from bumps, falls and busy roads. But cancer just creeps from within, the best mother in the world can't stop it and that terrifies me. Through CLIC Sargent I have seen the incredible strength and faith needed to cope with a very sick child. 

"My whole family is now involved with supporting the charity. I am passionate about fundraising for them and when CLIC Sargent asks for our time and energy we give it. That is why I am more than happy to lend a hand in the Oxford shop and meet the dedicated volunteers who play an essential role in supporting our shops which help to raise vital funds for the charity.”

At the Oxford shop there are more than 15 volunteers who range in age from 20 to 80 years old. Together they give up a combined total of approximately 55 hours per week of their spare time to help out in the shop.

Debbie Williams, deputy manager of the CLIC Sargent shop in Oxford, said: “Volunteers’ Week is the perfect opportunity for us to say a massive thank you to our loyal group of volunteers who regularly give up their time to lend a hand in the shop.

“Our volunteers come from all walks of life and bring a range of skills and experience, fresh energy and enthusiasm to our shop teams. Whether they are able to offer the occasional hour or several days, their support is essential in ensuring the shop can continue to run and help make a real difference to families whose lives have been turned upside down by childhood cancer.”

If you’ve got a couple of hours to spare and you would like to make them count please contact the shop on: 01865 744402 to find out more about volunteering opportunities in the shop.