Rainbows Hospice Launches First Furniture Shop in Shepshed to Aid Families
Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People is set to open its first-ever furniture shop in Shepshed, marking a significant expansion for the charity dedicated to providing palliative and end-of-life care for babies, children, and young people across the East Midlands. The doors will officially open at 10 am on Friday, February 27, at Armstrong’s Mill on Charnwood Road.
A Personal Connection to the Community
Joining Rainbows CEO Jane Burns for the opening ceremony will be Mel and Tom Carte, a local Shepshed family whose son, Ruairi, passed away in 2024 at the age of six. Ruairi lived with neurological impairment and neurogenic arthrogryposis, a rare congenital disorder that causes multiple joint contractures and muscle wasting. The Cartes have been supported by Rainbows since Ruairi's birth in 2018.
Mel Carte expressed deep emotion, stating, "As a bereaved family who have been, and continue to be, supported by Rainbows, the opening of this new shop in Shepshed means more than words can convey. Rainbows provided a safe haven for us to create cherished memories with Ruairi Bear during his six short years, offering exceptional care and compassion during our darkest times. This support has endured beyond our child's death, helping us navigate life after loss."
She added, "Being a Shepshed family, it feels incredibly special to see Rainbows become rooted in our hometown. This shop is more than a place to donate or buy items—it's a visible symbol of the love, care, and hope that Rainbows brings to families like ours every day. Knowing the community will help sustain this support for others facing unimaginable challenges means everything to us."
Shop Details and Community Impact
The new shop will feature a diverse range of items, including:
- Clothes, toys, and books
- Bric-a-brac and preloved furniture
In a first for Rainbows, the charity will offer a free collection and delivery service for furniture donations, making it easier for residents to contribute. Hannah Coventry, Associate Director of Retail at Rainbows, shared her excitement: "We are thrilled to open our first shop in Shepshed and the first Rainbows shop to sell furniture. The local community's kindness and generosity have been overwhelming since we started accepting donations weeks ago."
Coventry emphasized, "At Rainbows, we rely on supporters to fund our specialist palliative and end-of-life care. The people of Shepshed and surrounding areas have been wonderful in their contributions. We invite everyone to visit on opening day, explore the store, find bargains, and support babies, children, and young people with life-limiting illnesses. We always welcome unwanted items—donations can be dropped off at our dedicated point with free parking."
This initiative not only provides a new retail outlet but also strengthens Rainbows' presence in the heart of Shepshed, fostering community engagement and ongoing support for families in need.
