Lennie hands over keys to her successor as manager of Sidmouth’s Cancer Research UK shop

AFTER three years as manager of Sidmouth’s Cancer Research UK shop, Lennie Titherington has handed over the keys to her successor on Monday.

Kate Hawkins, 22, a former nursing auxiliary from Crediton, said her first day “had been a laugh,” adding: “everyone here is so lovely.”

On Friday she met the volunteers at a surprise send-off and presentation for Lennie, who lives in Primley Road, and says she is looking forward to her new role, working with assistant manager Ben Morgan.

Lennie, whose husband died from cancer 14 years ago, has worked at the charity shop for the past seven years and still plans to help out when she can. She took over the role of manager three years ago from Claire Buttle.

Lennie said: “I’m going to have a gap year. I worked full-time and absolutely loved it. I wouldn’t be giving up unless I had to, I couldn’t work with a nicer team of volunteers.

“They give 100 percent every time. No matter what I have asked of them they always come up trumps.”

Health problems have forced her hand and she plans to spend more time with her elderly parents. After her break she plans to get back into the job market.

During her time as manager the shop was refitted and, said Lennie, she was thrilled with the town’s support of the charity’s breast cancer pink campaign, which last year raised �3,500.

“I hope what I have done has made the shop a place where the public can come in and talk to our volunteers,” she added.