The new manager of a fashion store has run up Llangollen’s Horseshoe Pass to raise funds for a cancer charity which supports young people.
Big-hearted Chris Owen, who has been with men’s fashion retailer Burtons for 15 years, has taken over the reins of their store at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre.
According to Chris, he’s proud to have the opportunity to manage his home town branch.
And one of his first managerial tasks was to run four miles up the Horseshoe Pass from Llangollen to raise a mountain of cash for cancer charity Trekstock.
The charity has a vision of beating cancer in young people by funding quality research of the highest standard and ensuring all young people have the right and relevant information to make better informed lifestyle choices.
Chris, 42, says he’s looking forward to a record breaking Christmas at the top North Wales shopping centre.
He said: “I’ve worked at quite a few Burtons branches including Shrewsbury, Oswestry and several in Manchester. I came to Wrexham as deputy manager and when the previous manager was promoted to our Chester store, I was made manager here.
“One of my first tasks was to raise as much as we could for Burtons’ nominated charity this year, Trekstock. Some managers organised book sales and such within stores but I decided the best thing was to raise as much as I could through a single event.
“So I arranged a run up the Horseshoe Pass. The only problem was I was the only one available so had to go it alone I’m afraid. It was quite tough but I have always kept myself fit and enjoy running anyway. I raised more than a £100 and am delighted.
“I’ll admit I didn’t run every step of the way and had a couple of walking breaks but it was far tougher than I imagined. The warm coffee I enjoyed at the Ponderosa café at the top was very welcome!”
And Chris reckons, despite the economic downturn, his store could well see a record Christmas.
He said: “Eagles Meadow has always had a lovely atmosphere and I personally think it’s a fantastic place to shop. We have really seen an upturn in trade over the past few weeks and had some pretty encouraging figures.
“I speak to quite a few other Eagles Meadow store managers and they too say trade has improved quite a bit and it’s getting busier. And with Christmas just around the corner that has to be a good thing. I’m feeling very positive and think we could be in for a really good Christmas indeed.”
He added: “I’m really pleased to have been made manager of the Eagles Meadow branch of Burton’s. I grew up in Wrexham and live in the town with my partner and our little three-year-old boy.
“I want to remain as manager of Burtons Eagle Meadow for a long time. Wrexham is my home town and I want to see the town successful. The message is simple come to Eagles Meadow, it’s a great place to shop.”
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley said: “I’d like to congratulate Chris on his appointment as manager – and for his lung-busting run up the Horseshoe Pass to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
