On Saturday 5^th June, TV’s favourite GP Dr Amir Khan officially ‘cut the ribbon’ at the newly opened Leeds Hospitals Charity shop in the Merrion Centre.

Bradford-born Dr Amir has been a GP in West Yorkshire for over a decade and became the charity’s first-ever ambassador back in March.

At the ribbon-cutting, Dr Amir was joined by Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity where he met hardworking retail staff and volunteers.  

The shop opened to the public over the late May bank holiday weekend, and is the charity’s first city centre store, just around the corner from Leeds General Infirmary, one of biggest hospitals funds raised will help support.  

As the charity partner for Leeds Teaching Hospitals, every item donated to, or purchased from the store will help Leeds Hospitals Charity support the incredible work of over 20,000 NHS staff working across our hospitals.

Dr Amir said:

“It was an honour to officially ‘cut the ribbon’ for Leeds Hospitals Charity’s new shop in the heart of Leeds city centre. There is such a wonderful selection of items on sale, all helping to raise much-needed funds to support our NHS hospitals in Leeds.

As someone who works within the NHS, I know what an amazing difference charitable donations make to staff, patients and their loved ones. I’m proud to support this fantastic charity and I’m sure this shop will be a roaring success.”

Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity is thrilled to have opened the charity’s second charity shop:

“After the success of our first charity shop at Crossgates Shopping Centre, which opened in April, we were really excited to open the doors of our first city centre store, just a short walk away from Leeds General Infirmary.

We’re so grateful to the people of Leeds for their support. Every single item customers buy in our charity shops makes a difference, helping us fund vital projects across our hospitals, above and beyond what the NHS can afford.”

If you’re interested in volunteering in one of Leeds Hospital Charity’s shops you can click here to find out more and apply.