A VOLUNTEER with the Wrexham branch of a charity has retired from the role after 20 years.

John Pomphrey, from Wrexham, has been helping out with fundraising for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) store on Egerton Road for the past two decades.

The 70-year-old originally chose the BHF because he lost his dad to heart trouble, but is ready to step back and take things a little bit easier.

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John, who enjoys gardening and being creative, said: "I have enjoyed meeting people who come through the doors of the shop and getting involved with the public.

"I liked doing the collections and raffle tickets, campaigning and all the things at Christmas and Valentine's Day too.

"I've really enjoyed the social side and they've been like a little family, they look after you.

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"Regulars come in and they get to know me, and then around town. We're all together.

"I'll miss a lot, going in and looking round, and spotting bargains myself. But I'm now looking forward to some rest and some new hobbies."

Covid saw a big change for the store and John, with the pandemic seeing the volunteer have to stay away for a while.

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Retiring will be a big wrench for John but he's looking forward to the next phase.

Store manager, Debbie Shaw, who opened the store 25 years ago, added: "John has been one of our fundraisers for years. He's been here that long, he's like one of the family.

"He would come in all the time, at least two days a week, plus fundraising events. This was his life, making money for the British Heart Foundation."

John was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation by the team at the shop, but they still expect to see him back through their doors soon enough.