POET Sue Sims waxed lyrical as she opened a new Somerset charity shop.

The Dorset-based wordsmith was on hand to open Yeovil’s Cancer Research UK shop on Thursday (October 17) - and spoke of her special relationship with the charity.

When Sue's young son Mark was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he was determined to make the most of every moment he had left.

Having qualified as a doctor he knew how serious his diagnosis had been.

He was given targeted cancer drugs to prolong his life and while being treated, Mark started raising money for Cancer Research UK and set up a donation page and wrote a very honest and moving blog about his journey with incurable skin cancer.

He also made a bucket list of thigs he wanted to do before he died and achieved much of his list, including giving a best man’s speech at his twin brother’s wedding.

On January 19, 2017, Mark died in hospital surrounded by his family and friends. He was aged 28.

He had raised more than £100,000 for Cancer Research UK through sharing his story and giving others hope while still in hospital.

Today that figure stands at more than £200,000.

His mum Sue - who lives in Beaminster - has continued to support the charity and has written a book about Mark to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

She is a dedicated poet and written and performed much of her work.

She met with some of the customers at the store which recently opened and will be open seven days a week.

David Thirkhill, Cancer Research UK Retail area manager, said: “At Cancer Research UK we are aware that in today’s climate, although shoppers want to keep up with fashion, they need to keep to a budget too, and our fabulous new shop will enable people to do exactly that.

“Looking like any other high street retail outlet, shoppers will be pleasantly surprised when they come inside. They won’t believe they’re in a charity shop.”

Debra Barratt, the shop manager, said: “We are delighted to be opening our first shop in Yeovil. We have an extensive ladieswear section and a kids zone as well as the usual books, media, menswear.”

The shop is looking for volunteers to help sort donations, keep the shelves stocked and help on the shop floor. Flexible hours are available and anyone interested is invited to call into the shop to find out more or to visit: www.cruk.org/volunteer

Cancer Research UK’s best-selling range of Christmas cards is available in store now. All net profits from the card sales go to Cancer Research UK to help fund lifesaving research into more than 200 types of cancer.