Whalley sandwich shop celebrates 20th anniversary by giving away free food and raising hundreds for charity

An impressive £625 was raised in a day for Cancer Research UK by CJ 's Sandwich shop in King Street, Whalley, after its customers generously donated while tucking into free sausage butties, cupcakes and hot teas and coffees.
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Owner Virginia James said she was overwhelmed by the kindness of people who dug deep.

She said: "To mark the shop's 20th anniversary, we decided to give away free sausage sandwiches, teas and coffees and cupcakes. We left a bowl outside the shop for donations and were taken aback when we counted the money and found it was over £600!"

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Virginia, who initially began the business with her sister, Caroline Linsley, explained why she chose to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

Virginia James celebrating her 20th anniversary running the shop. Picture by Daria NeklesaVirginia James celebrating her 20th anniversary running the shop. Picture by Daria Neklesa
Virginia James celebrating her 20th anniversary running the shop. Picture by Daria Neklesa

"The charity is a cause close to my heart. I have lost friends and family members who have battled cancer."

Virginia said that she would like to thank all her customers for their wonderful support and for helping CJs to grow into the business it is today.

"We are grateful to our customers who have supported us throughout the past two decades. In this time we have expanded our business with my sons William and Oliver running a sandwich shop in Clitheroe, while I concentrate on the Whalley business. I must admit running the shop has been difficult since last March with the coronavirus pandemic, but we have always tried our best to serve customers as best possible."