AS the former manager of Martin House charity shop, in Gillygate, York, I should like to thank everyone who has supported this very worthy cause over the last 12 years.

I have been involved with Martin House since the appeal was launched in 1984 and it has brought me great joy to know that the people who helped at the beginning, with our little concerts in Copmanthorpe, helping to run the shop, fundraising by coffee mornings and by bringing unwanted good-quality clothes and household goods to sell in the shop, have remained staunch supporters over the years.

Also, the hard work of the volunteers, some of whom have been with me since the shop opened, cannot go unrecognised. I must thank God for giving me the health and energy to carry on the work which has given me so much happiness and satisfaction, and my very patient family for their unwavering support.

The closing of the shop will leave a huge gap in many people's lives. It has been a way of life which will be difficult to replace.

Ada Appleyard,

c/o 16 Gillygate,

York

Updated: 10:41 Friday, July 26, 2002