Why Harrogate shopping centre has its own wishing well and how it will help Saint Michael's Hospice

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The comments follow Victoria Shopping Centre's installation of a new wishing well to raise funds for the charity which serves a population of nearly 160,000 people living across the Harrogate district.

Centre manager, James White, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to Saint Michael's Hospice, we are very excited to see the installation of our wishing well.

"It’s been made entirely from sustainable materials, which is something we are very passionate about at Victoria Shopping Centre.

"Saint Michaels Hospice is a charity that we couldn’t be happier to support. Harrogate shoppers are well known for their generous contributions and compassion for others, so I’m sure this wishing well will be another success.

"It’s a fun way to donate to a highly worthy cause, as well as a great initiative to welcome back our shoppers to the centre.”

During the pandemic and the various rules and restrictions, the role of Saint Michael’s hospice has become, if anything, more important, as it help take care of the final wishes of those affected by terminal illness, helping them to live as full a life as possible.

Chief executive of Saint Michael’s Hospice, Tony Collins said: “We are delighted to be the beneficiary of this wonderful wishing well initiative and we are very grateful to Victoria Shopping Centre, for their continued generosity and support.

“We hope shoppers at the centre enjoy making their wishes, particularly in the knowledge that their kind donations go directly to help local families living with terminal illness and bereavement. Each ‘wish’ will make a real difference to our work.”

Located on the first floor of the shopping centre beside Next and Toyland, simply throw in your donation, close your eyes, and make a wish.

The centre will sort out the rest, ensuring all donations go straight to Saint Michaels Hospice.

So far, Victoria Shopping Centre raised £11,192 for Saint Michael's Hospice in total and is calling for local people to help them reach their impressive target of £25,000.

The wishing well has been made sustainably from recycled materials.

The body of the well has been created from sanded down and treated pallets, whilst the roof slates are made from unwanted and repurposed tiles.

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