A FLINTSHIRE hotel came to the rescue after a dedicated fundraiser lost her high street charity shop. 

Doreen Lee, from Hawarden, ran the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) charity shop on Holywell High Street for three years. 

In that time she has raised over £100,000 for the charity -  that helps those suffering mental, physical, sexual or financial abuse at the hand of a partner, ex-partner or persons with whom they have had a relationship. DASU offers 24-hour emergency access to a network of safe houses.

However, the shop sadly had to close its doors in August - leaving Doreen unable to continue her fundraising efforts and a garage full of items from the shop. 

Village Hotel St David's, in Ewloe, was informed of Doreen's situation - and kindly offered her a section of its foyer area to set up a stall to sell the items. 

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Doreen said: "They've been an absolute life-saver - I don't know what I'd have done without them. Everyone here has been so welcoming, and hotel guests and gym-goers have been so generous in their support. 

"This is the time of year when DASU needs the most support, and I'm so thankful to the Village Hotel for providing me a place to continue to fundraise. They've been amazing."

She added: "I was absolutely devastated to lose the shop in Holywell, and I know a lot of the Holywell community were sad to see me go. But I'm hopeful of coming back some time soon."

Paul Clare, director of sales at Village Hotel St David's, said: "We got in contact a week ago and she was struggling for a location to raise money and awareness for DASU. 

"So here at Village Hotel St David's we provided a table and chair in reception where we've got loads of guests coming in to the hotel, and she'll be able to raise loads of money and awareness.

"We look forward to continuing to work together in the new year."