EXETER Leukaemia Fund (ELF) has announced the pending closure of its “Shelf Life” charity shop in Crediton in 2024.

Molly Southwood, Chief Executive Officer at ELF said: "Due to rising costs and decreasing profits, we have taken the difficult decision to close both our 'Shelf Life' shops, based in Crediton and Exminster, next year.

“Our first priority is to the patients and families that we support, and as shop profits decrease, we must redirect resources to raising funds elsewhere.

“This decision affects only our retail shops; our patient services and the charity will continue as normal."

Molly added: "The shops have been an important part of ELF for many years, and we are very grateful for the time and dedication provided by our Retail Staff and Volunteers in that time.

“Thank you too to the people of Crediton for shopping with us and the many donations they have provided for us to sell."

A further announcement will be made next year regarding the future of the shop.

Until then, “Shelf Life” on Crediton High Street is still open for business as normal.

Exeter Leukaemia Fund provides a range of support services for blood cancer patients and their families treated at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

ELF helped fund the construction of the existing Haematology Centre in 2003 and added a critical-care unit to the ward in 2017.  Today, as well as still directly supporting the ward, ELFs services for blood cancer patients include transport, counselling, financial support grants and legal advice, accommodation and therapy treatments.