A BUSINESS owner from Whitchurch has cancelled retirement plans to assist with the coronavirus pandemic.

Therese Hickland is the owner of Healing Thyme in High Street, a business that specialises in herbal remedies and therapies, and was looming forward to putting her feet up and retiring last month.

But in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Therese has decided to cancel her retirement plans for the time being, to continue running running the shop alongside her business partners.

"Although I got within a hair’s breadth of retirement on March 28 this year, COVID-19 had other plans," said Therese.

"Once more this elusive state of lazy days, chilling out at home has bounded out of reach.

"There are those who believe that I am attached to Healing Thyme with a bungee rope."

Therese says that working to minimise the risks of COVID-19 are a challenge, but believes customers are "getting the hang of it".

"Working within the new confines of COVID-19 to provide customers with their supplies of supplements to keep them healthy, household refills to keep the plastic mountain down and of course those natural soaps and toiletries that keep us all sweet smelling has been a challenge," Therese added.

"Customers are getting the hang of the new system and are grateful for continued access to their supplements.

"During the early part of March, Echinacea, Vitamin C, Zinc and Allicin Max all disappeared off the shelves almost before they were unpacked leaving gaps while the supply chain caught up.

"The shelves are almost back to normal.

"There have been several deliveries during the last few days, with now only a few items out of stock.

"For many of us this is truly 'a thyme to heal’ for ourselves and our planet while knowing that for others it is a lonely and sad time.

“In Whitchurch and its surrounding area, we are seeing an upsurge of volunteers who will help in any they can. Please reach out and ask for help. We all need each other now more than ever.”

Healing Thyme is now open Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10am and 2pm and safety is essential and customers are asked to maintain a safe distance of two meters.

This means standing on the threshold while being served by Therese and payment by contactless bank card is also preferred.

For those who are able, a call and collect service operates from 9.30am on the three mornings which can be accessed by calling the shop on 01948 665565.

If you are socially isolating or unable to leave the house, Therese will deliver within a five-mile radius.