Charity shop appeals for help to open by Christmas

The Madad charity is looking to convert the ground floor of the former Ladbrokes shop in Bedford

A charity has appealed for local tradespeople and materials in order to open its new shop in time for Christmas.

Madad, which sells affordable furniture, clothing, white and small electrical goods, is hoping to open a new store in Bedford.

It is looking for DIY volunteers including carpenters and electricians to convert the ground floor of the former Ladbrokes shop on the corner of the High Street and St Paul's Square.

Chair of the charity Saqhib Ali hopes an offer for the empty site will be successful and added the store "will help us support even more families experiencing hardship across Bedford".

The charity is also looking for donations of materials such as paint, cabling, ducting and boxing, plywood and plasterboard.

Madad launched its Watford store in June and is now looking to expand into Bedford

The charity also gives grants of up to £50 to people in need to help with food, utilities and clothing.

Mr Ali described it as "like a cost-of-living crisis charity hub that keeps stuff out of landfill and allows people to donate, reuse and recycle".

Madad was founded in 1981 by his father, the late Imam Irshad Ali, as a Muslim charitable initiative.

Today it provides help to people of all faiths and none, staying true to its name—Madad, meaning "help" or "assistance" in Urdu, Arabic and Hindi.

Mr Ali said: "We've been humbled by early offers of help and are now asking the wider community, trades firms, and anyone able to donate materials to lend a hand. Every contribution, big or small, will make a real difference."