A CHARITY supporting young people affected by cancer is to open a new shop in Truro city centre.

Tanya's Courage Trust will cut the ribbon at 6 Little Castle Street (formerly the RSPCA shop and Limelight fancy dress) on Monday, October 20, at 10am.

City mayor Cllr Chris Wells will be in attendance along with town crier Lionel Knight and the charity’s beloved mascots: black and tan sausage dogs Frankie and Chip. All proceeds from the shop will go towards meeting the charity’s objectives of providing emotional, practical and financial support to young people affected by cancer.

The charity is named after Tanya Billing, who bravely fought Adult Acute Myeloid Leukaemia for the last 20 months of her short life. Before being diagnosed and during remission, Tanya lived life to the full, inspiring others with her courage and determination.

Shortly before her death, Tanya expressed the wish to help others of her age group. In 2006, Tanya’s Courage Trust was set up specifically to help cancer patients aged 16 to 25 throughout Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and Devon through the provision of grants which can be used towards relieving their physical or financial needs.

Examples include covering six weeks’ car hire to enable a young woman diagnosed with a brain tumour to have Monday-to-Friday treatment in Bristol; and funding flights from Newquay to London, plus accommodation and theatre tickets, to transform an unappealing hospital appointment into a memorable trip.

Tanya’s mother, Iris, co-founded the charity in St Austell and remains its chief executive as it prepares to celebrate 20 years of being a registered charity in February 2026.

The Truro store will replace the store in Penryn, and join the charity’s flagship premises in St Austell. “All are warmly invited to attend our opening and support us in this exciting new chapter,” said Iris.