Mansfield mum who runs charity shop in son’s memory sounds ‘use it or lose it’ plea

Sandra Marshall, 67, has managed the Jack of All Hearts Brain Cancer Fundraising Shop at the Handley Arcade in Toothill Lane, Mansfield, for the last two years.

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Her son Jack Sanders, of Abbotts Croft, Mansfield, died aged 35 in 2018 after fighting brain cancer for six years.

One of Sandra’s relatives used to own Handley Arcade and they paid the rent for her store, which raises money to give to people who have brain cancer so they can make special memories.

However, the building is now under new ownership and Sandra has been asked to start paying £520 rent per month.

Sandra told the Chad: “I’m so grateful for having the rent paid up to now and I fully understand the current situation – I love the shop and I love the arcade.

“If we can get more people to come into the shop then that will help us to stay open.

“We want to stay open – we want to make more money for all those people who are unfortunate enough to have brain cancer.

“From a personal point of view, I really don’t want to have to give the shop up – since Jack sadly died, it’s given me a focus.

“The shop keeps Jack’s name alive.

“We want people to support us – we don’t want the shop to close.

“It’s definitely a case of use it or lose it.”

Sandra also thanked everyone who has supported – and continues to support – her store.

The shop sells a variety of donated items including clothes, shoes and bric-a-brac.

People who would like to donate items can bring them into the store or arrange a collection by calling Sandra on 07886 028710.

Dad-of-one Jack was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2012 and had an operation to remove the tumour.

It was thought the operation was a success – but the cancer tragically returned in 2014.

Jack, who was a huge fan of Del Boy Trotter, had an Only Fools and Horses-style funeral.

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