A campaign in Wrexham to recycle old mobile phones to raise cash for a hospice has been a big hit.
Generous shoppers have so far handed in over a 100 old mobiles at the O2 store at Eagles Meadow shopping centre in aid of Nightingale House.
Customers can put old broken handsets in a specially designed recycling bin and can decide, when upgrading their phone, to donate their old one to the charity.
O2 then recycle donated phones with all profits from reclaimed precious metals, glass or the re-sale of fully serviceable phones going to the hospice.
Store manager Steven Cavanagh, whose own father died of cancer, is thrilled with the response to the campaign so far and has appealed for more phone before the closing date on March 29.
He said: “We’re very grateful to the people of Wrexham for what we’ve received so far. They’ve been very generous. All I want to say to the public is thank you.
“There’s been a big response. People have literally been coming in with bags full of old phones.
“A lot of people have got drawers full of old mobile phones which are lying around. They don’t have any use for them, but they can make a big difference to the hospice.
“Even if the phone is really old, is smashed or doesn’t work, it’s still worth something to the hospice because we can recycle those parts.
“We hope to make the most of this opportunity. It helps the environment and all the money goes to a really good cause.”
Steven added: “I lost my dad to cancer when I was just 15. I lived on the Wirral then and dad was actually treated at Clatterbridge before he came home where he passed away.”
Margaret Hollings, Nightingale House Hospice Fundraising and Events Manager said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be the chosen charity for this campaign which is being organised by the staff at O2 in Eagles Meadow.
“Every penny really does count, so please do dig deep for those unwanted mobile phones; everybody has one hidden a draw of cupboard at home which could be recycled to raise vital sums of money.
“All you need to do is drop your old phones into the store at Eagles Meadow and all monies raised through recycling will help to fund the invaluable palliative care services at Nightingale House Hospice.”
She added: “This year it will cost £2.6m to run the hospice which equates to more than £7,000 per day. Since the hospice only receives 19 per cent from the Local Health Board, it is only enough funding to support the hospice for 69 days.
“The hospice therefore greatly relies on the generosity of the communities it serves to raise the additional funding of over £2m for the remaining 296 days of the year. Our thanks go to Steven Cavanagh and his team at O2 Eagles Meadow for kindly choosing to support the hospices work.”
Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley said: “I am delighted the appeal for old mobile phones is proving such a success. It’s been a really good call for Nightingale House.”
