I WOULD like to reply to the letter ‘Don’t ignore old furniture’.

I am very sorry that the writer of this letter felt appalled that a driver from Wigan and Leigh Hospice refused a piece of furniture. Perhaps after reading my letter she may understand more and why.

My husband is a driver for the hospice, and yes what a wonderful cause it is. The drivers work extremely hard, doing heavy lifting, dealing with awkward entrances, parking problems and provide a very valid service to the hospice.

But old fashioned furniture does not sell and in all his time working for the hospice he has have never come across anyone wanting to do any upcycling or shabby chic.

Out of date items take up valuable storage space in the warehouse and the hospice shops need saleable items. The transport costs are high and sometimes the hospice is being used as a no cost, cheap disposal service instead of people going to the tip.

Collection of furniture is always at the discretion of the driver and they have full right to refuse it. They are after all involved in the day to day running of the shops and know what sells.

A quick turnover is the aim and these items stick and do not sell especially dark wood items. Many shops have limited space and customers do not want to be seeing the same items over and over again.

It would seem that the refusal did Ms Loynd a favour as she upcycled the item herself and is using the furniture again, that is great. She says everyone admires it, perhaps Ms Loynd would be willingly to offer her services to the hospice and upcycle the public’s donations of old furniture? I am sure this would be very much appreciated.

Mrs Schofield

Hoylake Close, Leigh