A mystery £2,000 donation pushed through a letterbox stands out as one of the most remarkable acts of generosity as a York charity shop marks 15 years.
The Martin House Children's Hospice charity shop in Acomb, which opened in July 2011, is celebrating its anniversary on Saturday, July 18, after raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to support children and families across Yorkshire.
Shop manager Carol Atkinson recalled the anonymous gift from eight years ago, initially mistaken for scraps of paper. "It turned out to be £20 and £10 notes, along with a handwritten note saying, 'Hope this helps. I don't want it.'
"There was £2,000 in total. It was an incredible act of generosity that none of us will ever forget."
Since opening, the shop has become a well-established part of the Acomb community, selling thousands of donated items while generating vital income for the hospice.
Annual sales have risen by more than 32 per cent, from £62,067 in its first full financial year to more than £100,000 in 2025/26.
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The shop’s success is largely due to its team of staff and volunteers, many of whom have been involved since the beginning, including shop manager Carol. Among them is Eileen, who joined for a six-week placement shortly after its opening and continues to volunteer today.
Carol said: "It's hard to believe it's been 15 years. We've built such a wonderful community around the shop and I'm incredibly proud of everything we've achieved together.
"Every donation, every purchase, and every hour our volunteers give helps make a real difference to the children and families supported by Martin House."
Funds raised help provide specialist care for more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, as well as support for around 200 bereaved family members across West, North, and East Yorkshire. Services include planned respite stays, symptom management, end-of-life care, and bereavement support, all provided free of charge.
Stephanie Rimmington, head of retail at Martin House, said: "Our charity shops are at the heart of their local communities, and Acomb is a fantastic example of that.
We'd like to thank everyone who has supported the Acomb shop over the past 15 years. Every donation, purchase and hour volunteered has helped make a difference, and we look forward to the shop continuing to thrive for many years to come."
To mark the anniversary, the shop will be offering special deals on Saturday, July 18.
