A pet shop has closed its doors for the final time following the retirement of the 84-year-old owner.
Margaret Kimberley has run Maggies Pets in the SW London suburb of Stoneleigh for the past 34 years but recently broke her ribs in a fall at work, forcing her to retire.
‘Maggie’ said she was sad to leave the pet shop after so many memorable years but was touched by all the goodwill messages from customers and other shopkeepers in the area.
Maggie’s son Shane said she was making great progress in her recovery from the fall and was glad to be back in her flat.
She returned the shop on the final days of trading (August 9-10) to say her own farewell to customers.
One business owner Terri Mason set up a GoFundMe page to give Maggie a fitting send-off.
“Stoneleigh traders, friends and customers would like to raise some funds to help Maggie going forward,” said Terri.
“Maggie has been such a support and vibrant character of the area and it’s only right we give her something back.”
More than 50 people donated £1,235 on the GoFundMe page.
