St Oswald’s Hospice Chief Executive, Steph Edusei, Named ‘Most Supportive Chief Executive’ at Charity Retail Awards

We’re delighted to announce that our Chief Executive, Steph Edusei, has been named ‘Most Supportive Chief Executive’ at the national Charity Retail Association Awards. 

The Charity Retail Association (CRA) is the UK’s leading membership body for charity retail, representing 85% of the UK’s charity shops. This includes household names such as Oxfam and the British Heart Foundation, as well as local charities including St Oswald’s Hospice. The Charity Retail Awards, hosted annually by the CRA, celebrate excellence and innovation across the sector. 

Steph’s win comes during a period of significant growth and innovation for the Hospice’s retail department. In the last 18 months our Retail team has launched a new retail event venue – ‘the space’, created a new donation point in Ouseburn, and celebrated the opening of its 25th charity shop in Blyth. 

Being recognised by the Charity Retail Association is another milestone achievement following a groundbreaking year. Steph commented: 

“Charity retail is a win-win-win in my eyes. Second-hand shopping benefits customers by offering high-quality items at affordable prices. It benefits the charity by providing a sustainable income stream. And, of course, it benefits the environment by keeping items in circulation and out of landfill. 

“Too often, charity shops are an overlooked and undervalued part of our national economy. I believe it’s important to give charity shops the recognition they truly deserve.” 

Since being appointed Chief Executive of St Oswald’s Hospice in 2020, Steph has championed staff and volunteers across the organisation. She added: 

“Winning the Most Supportive Chief Executive award is incredibly meaningful, because it’s all about the people. Supporting our team is my number one priority – and it’s a real privilege to be recognised in this way by the Charity Retail Association.” 

Steph is a passionate charity shop customer and regularly shares her second-hand fashion finds on social media. Each December she runs her own campaign – Charity Shop Christmas Challenge – which celebrates sustainable shopping and showcases some of her favourite festive outfits found in St Oswald’s Hospice shops across the region. 

Andrew Moir, Head of Retail at St Oswald’s Hospice, said Steph lives and breathes St Oswald’s Hospice retail: 

“Steph proudly wears clothing from our shops and has quite literally become a walking shop window for the quality items we sell.  

“What makes her support even more special is the way she treats our retail teams with such warmth and respect. That recognition makes our shop teams feel incredibly appreciated and proud of the work they do.” 

Demi Prendergast, Shop Manager at the Hospice’s specialist wedding store ‘Posh Frocks and Bridal Boutique’ in Whitley Bay agrees:  

“Steph is one of our best customers! Whether it’s an evening gown or a day dress, she’s always keen to show off her favourite finds and promote our shop on social media. 

“Our staff and volunteers love Steph coming into Posh frocks and Bridal as she’s always excited to see what new stock we have and makes every volunteer feel valued and appreciated – and she rarely leaves without a purchase!”   

We must raise £16 million each year to continue providing our services free of charge to patients and families across the North East. Of that total, £10 million must come from voluntary giving – an area in which our 25 charity shops, eBay store, and event venue ‘the space’, play a vital role.