The Air Ambulance Service’s superstore named UK’s Favourite Charity Shop

The Air Ambulance Service’s charity superstore, The Hanger, in Melton Mowbray – Leicestershire – has been crowned The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop in the Charity Retail Association’s 25th anniversary Charity Shop Awards.

Since opening its doors on 19 November 2021, The Hanger has become a cherished hub within the Melton Mowbray community. Known for its inviting shopping environment, thoughtfully curated range of new and preloved items, and its welcoming café, the superstore offers more than just retail therapy – it generates vital income to support lifesaving missions every single day.

The awards received thousands of nominations from the public across the UK, with The Hanger ultimately triumphing as the winner among 12 inspiring finalists.

The accolade was presented by the Charity Retail Association, the leading membership body championing a successful, sustainable, and trusted charity retail sector.

Kerry Martin, Manager of The Hanger, shared her excitement about the award:

“We are so incredibly proud to have won the award and been named The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop by the Charity Retail Association – to say we are excited is an understatement! Our store team would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all who voted for us and to everyone in our local community and beyond for all the dedicated support they have given us since we opened our doors three years ago.

“A special thank you goes to our amazing team of volunteers, whose passion and dedication make all of this possible. They are the heart and soul of our store, and we couldn’t achieve this without their unwavering commitment. Thank you for helping us make a difference every single day!”

The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) operates two regional services: the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) and the Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) alongside the national Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA). These vital services provide critical care and patient transport, ensuring those in urgent need are able to receive lifesaving care.

Mark Rawlins, TAAS Director of Trading, praised the broader charity retail sector while celebrating the team’s success:

“Firstly, I’d like to extend our congratulations to all the stores that made it to the finals – it’s a testament to the amazing work being done across the charity retail sector.

“This is an incredible achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder of the team at the store. The staff and volunteers have done an exceptional job, creating a space that truly reflects the values of our charity and provides an outstanding experience for every supporter who walks through the door.

“On behalf of The Air Ambulance Service, I want to thank everyone who has supported the store – from those who donate items to those who shop with us – your contributions make a real difference to the lifesaving work we do. If you haven’t visited the store yet, I’d encourage you to stop by and see for yourself why it’s been recognised as the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop.”

The team at The Hanger look forward to welcoming even more shoppers to their award-winning superstore. Whether you’re hunting for a unique find, donating items, or enjoying a coffee in the café, every visit helps fuel the lifesaving missions of The Air Ambulance Service.