Sue Ryder

Sue Ryder was founded in 1953 by Baroness Sue Ryder — a remarkable humanitarian who, as a young woman during the Second World War, worked with Special Operations Executive and became deeply committed to helping the survivors of Nazi concentration camps and war. After the war, she established homes across Europe and the UK to care for people with severe illnesses and disabilities, founding what became known as Sue Ryder Care.

The charity today provides palliative care, bereavement support, and neurological services — including care for people with conditions such as Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Sue Ryder runs over 40 care centres and provides hospice care to thousands of people across the UK each year. The charity's ethos is rooted in the belief that every person deserves dignified, compassionate care at the end of life.

Sue Ryder operates over 450 shops across the UK, staffed by thousands of volunteers. The shops sell donated clothing, books, homeware, jewellery, and accessories, and are known for their warm, friendly atmosphere and well-presented stock. Many Sue Ryder shops have a strong local following and are embedded in their communities.

The income from Sue Ryder shops is vital to the charity's funding model. Because palliative and neurological care services are complex and expensive to run, retail income provides a significant and reliable revenue stream that supplements government and NHS funding. Shopping at Sue Ryder directly contributes to ensuring people facing life-limiting illness receive the best possible care.