A CHARITY shop in memory of a teenager who died from an infection after undergoing a 10-hour double lung transplant, has opened in Padiham.

Brave Hayley Barker had beaten leukaemia twice before being diagnosed with life-threatening lung disease.

The 17-year-old lost her battle in August 2013 after contracting an infection following the transplant.

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In her short life Hayley had pledged to make a difference to the lives of other children with cancer and life threatening illnesses.

With this in mind her family and friends set up charity Hayley’s Hugs in her memory and have now set up a shop in Padiham.

The Burnley Road shop sells an array of home goods, craft items, clothes and Hayley’s Hugs merchandise.

Money raised has been used to buy presents for children being treated on Ward 84 at Manchester Children’s Hospital, where Hayley was treated.

They have also started granting small wishes for people with life-threatening diseases and also for children affected by parents or siblings being ill.

Joanne Turner, who is best friends with Hayley’s mum Lisa Barker and volunteers for the charity, said that the response has been overwhelming.

She said: “Since setting up Hayley’s Hugs we have been considering having a permanent base that we could use to try and raise the profile of the charity and raise more money.

“We heard about a space going here and it has been perfect for us.“We have been overwhelmed by the response we’ve had from the public.

“We have been inundated by people who have been donating items, and we have also had large numbers of people coming and and buying things.

“The shop actually contains three different shops adjoined together, Krafty Korner, Whimsical Wants and us.“Throughout the shop we have tables and chairs so people can come and have a brew.

“We think we have probably raised around a few hundred pounds so far in the three weeks that we have been open.”

Anyone wanting to have a wish granted by Hayley’s Hugs or who would like to donate to the cause should contact www.hayleyshugs.co.uk.