Yahoo News Gemma Atkinson thanks fans on shop opening and says support 'means a lot'
Gemma Atkinson thanked fans for turning up to the opening of a new Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary charity shop in Rawtenstall on Saturday (May 4). The radio presenter said that so many people turned up that ‘the till crashed’.
Bury-born Gemma has been the president of the charity since 2016 and officially opened the shop on Bank Street at 11am. Posting a video on her Instagram stories afterwards, she thanked everyone for their support and added that “it means a lot”. The 39-year-old told her followers: “It was such a good turnout, we didn’t expect that many people.
“Literally at one point the till crashed - in a good way. Thank you if you came down, really nice and kind to take time out of your day and support us….Thank you so much, loads of you are supporting the sanctuary and it really does mean a lot.”
She said a particular highlight was meeting everyone’s dogs. Gemma added: “Dogs are allowed in the shop so if you wanna pop in while out on a dog walk.” She also revealed she bought her four-year-old daughter Mia, whom she shares with Gorka Marquez, a present from the shop.
Gemma said: “I bought Mia a jigsaw - she loves a jigsaw - and bought my mam a willow tree angel holding a dog, I thought was pretty apt.” The Rawtenstall branch is Bleakholt’s fourth charity shop. In a statement on the charity’s website Sanctuary Manager Karen Weed said: “We are excited to be opening a Charity Shop in Rawtenstall.
“Our charity shops raise vital funds for our animals.We are so thankful to Gemma for coming along to open the shop and we know there will be plenty of amazing bargains on offer.”
It’s been a busy time for Gemma who recently returned to her main job on Hits Radio where she co-hosts the drivetime slot from 4pm alongside Mike Toolan and with producer Matt following the end of her maternity leave. Back in July she welcomed son Thiago with Gorka, who she met while competing on Strictly Come Dancing, just over four years since the birth of their daughter.
On May 6 a new series of the family’s reality show, Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens, will launch on UKTV’s free-to-air entertainment channel W and streaming service UKTV Play. The couple will once again share their life with viewers over six episodes.
