A charity which is planning to open a pioneering vegan charity shop has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the cash which will kit it out.

The Comet: New Dr Hadwen Trust charity shop in Churchyard, Hitchin, is taking shapeNew Dr Hadwen Trust charity shop in Churchyard, Hitchin, is taking shape (Image: Archant)

The Hitchin-based Dr Hadwen Trust, the UK’s leading charity funding medical research without using animals, aims to open the shop in Churchyard, not far from its Portmill Lane HQ, next month.

Supporters are being invited to pledge anything from £1 which will buy 10 coat hangers to £1,000 which rewards the pledger with a VIP invitation to the shop opening and a hug from Naomi the shop manager.

The official opening ceremony, planned for Saturday, August 15, will be performed by Downton Abbey’s Peter Egan, the charity’s patron.

Group head of operations Dr Kay Miller said: “We are giving our supporters an opportunity to make history by supporting the opening of our first charity shop.

“Crowdfunding will help to off-set the costs of setting up the shop to allow more funds to go towards funding cruelty-free, human relevant research.”

You can find out more online at www.drhadwentrust.org.