SARACEN S rugby star turned coach Andy Farrell is tackling charity fundraising now. He kicked off his mission to help Keech Cottage Hospice by opening their brand new shop in Harpenden s High Street on Friday. The shop, which is located on Bowers Parade o

SARACEN'S rugby star turned coach Andy Farrell is tackling charity fundraising now.

He kicked off his mission to help Keech Cottage Hospice by opening their brand new shop in Harpenden's High Street on Friday.

The shop, which is located on Bowers Parade on Harpenden High Street, had local shoppers arriving in their droves throughout the day.

Andy lives in Harpenden with his wife and children, whom he brought along to the opening alongside former All Black, Justin Marshall.

Recently retired from professional rugby and now a coach for the Saracens, Andy said at the opening: "As an Ambassador of the children's hospice, to have a Keech Cottage shop opening in my town is fantastic. I hope everyone will show their support for Keech and the special children it cares for. I will definitely be popping in to see how it is getting on. It in a great location and is a lovely big shop - I'm sure it will be a massive success!"

The shop will trade from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, with all profits supporting the local children's hospice, which cares for children across Herts, Beds and Milton Keynes with life-limiting illnesses, and their families.

The shop is currently appealing for volunteers to carry out a variety of roles such as customer service, window display and help in sorting and steaming clothes.

It also needs donations of saleable bric-a-brac, clothes, furniture, household items and other desirable goods. Donations can be delivered inside the shop during opening hours and the shop will organise a home collection for any large donations.

Anyone interest in volunteering should contact Sarah-Jane Chilvers, on 01582 497652 or e-mail schilvers@pasque.org. To contact the shop to arrange a collection, please call 01582 760450.