Prospect Hospice has opened its latest charity shop in Watchfield, creating a new source of income for the organisation while giving the hospice its first physical presence in the community.
The new store at 4 Majors Road was officially opened by Swindon Town goalkeeper Lewis Ward, alongside local resident Debbie Robson, a Team Leader for Prospect@Home, the hospice’s community-based palliative care service.
The Watchfield shop is Prospect Hospice’s 18th and its first new charity shop for two years.
The hospice is hoping its expanding retail operation will eventually generate £1 million a year, helping to fund the clinical care, practical support and emotional assistance it provides to local patients and their families.
The charity says its shops have continued to perform strongly despite the difficulties facing charity retailers across the high street, with support from local people donating goods, shopping and volunteering.
Stuart Necrews, Head of Commercial Income at Prospect Hospice, said the opening was an opportunity for the charity to become even more closely involved with the Watchfield community.
“We’ve been caring for people across the area for many years, so having a physical presence here gives us another way to become part of and connect with the Watchfield community,” he said.
“It feels particularly special to now have a shop where people can come together to shop, donate, volunteer and support local hospice care.”
The new store has already received a warm reception from local shoppers, with one customer describing it as “the best charity shop ever”.
A £30,000 donation from Imagine Cruising in 2025 helped Prospect Hospice develop the new shop and create another potential source of income for its services.
Necrews said: “The £30,000 gift from Imagine Cruising was instrumental in making this new shop possible, and we’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.”
Swindon Town goalkeeper Lewis Ward was also at the opening, continuing the relationship between the football club and Prospect Hospice.
“It’s wonderful to keep building on our relationship with the charity after supporting them as our local club charity partner last year,” he said.
“The men’s walk was a huge success, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of the funds raised.”
Imagine Cruising Legal and Compliance Director Sarah Seddon said the hospice had a special place within the company and described the Watchfield store as a welcome addition to its network of shops.
The new store sells pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories, alongside books, toys, homeware and other goods.
It is open seven days a week, giving local residents the opportunity to shop, donate items or volunteer while supporting hospice care.
The shop is at 4 Majors Road, Watchfield, Swindon, SN6 8TQ.
