Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Staff at Blackwood’s New Look branch have raised almost £4,000 for St David’s Hospice Care in memory of their late manager.

Karen Britton, who died aged 54 from cancer, was said to have amazed her colleagues with her vitality in the final months of her life as she fought the illness.

The married mum-of-one, who lived in Caerphilly, and had worked at New Look for three decades, was known by generations of customers who she served over the years.

Laura Evans, who took over as manager after Karen’s death, recently joined staff to wear pink and remember the life of their “inspirational and supportive” colleague.

Laura said: “During Karen’s battle with cancer she became even more of an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Karen was always thinking of others more than herself and continued to spread positivity, even during her most difficult time.”

Such was the love and respect for Karen that a charity event was staged by the South Wales New Look team in memory of the former store manager.

Laura said: “Together, and along with the kindness of our customers and support from New Look, we managed to raise £3,825 which we’ve donated to St David’s Hospice Care in Karen’s memory. We thought it a wonderful way to honour a  remarkable lady who touched us all with her kindness and passion for life.”

Beth Harrington, of Newport-based St David’s Hospice Care, receiving the cheque on behalf of the hospice at the High Street, Blackwood, store, said: “The hospice looked after Karen, in her final weeks in December, over the Christmas period at the end of last year.

“We were moved and touched to be contacted by her work colleagues afterwards to say that they wanted to make a donation to the hospice in Karen’s memory and in recognition of the care Karen had received from the hospice.”