A NEW artisan market has been launched to thank the community for supporting a businessman left paralysed from Covid.
John Maloney, 56, lost the use of his legs and was left with brain, lung and heart damage after contracting the virus in hospital in March 2020.
John and Jayne Maloney
Wife Jayne launched an £80,000 appeal to give him back his independence by converting a garage into a shower and day room, where John will have space for physiotherapy.
John is now in a wheelchair
The couple, who own clothing store Xpose in Wilmslow, have been overwhelmed to receive £25,000 and want to thank everyone for their generosity.
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Construction work is about to start and friends have offered to mount more fundraising events in the summer to help complete the project.
Jayne and John Maloney before he fell ill
"Everyone has been so kind and lovely with donations and support, we want to give something back," said Jayne, 53, who has run the Water Lane business for 21 years.
"We are not doing menswear at the moment as John is not here so the upstairs is empty. I thought it would be a good idea to let people who can't afford a shop yet to share the space."
John in Xpose, their fashion store in Wilmslow, before he took ill
The first artisan market at Christmas turned the shop floor into a winter wonderland and was hailed a huge success.
"We did really well and our customers loved it, so we want to do it again," said Jayne, who has already been inundated with bookings as she plans to make the artisan market a permanent feature.
"It will be like a pop-up and we've already had such a great response, I've got a waiting list.
"We want each stall to be different so we are only taking one of each business at a time."
The market opens on February 5, in time for Valentine's gifts.
"I'm not doing contracts, the cost is £50 per week, so fledgling businesses can see how they get on," said Jayne.
"We have staff on hand so if you can't be here all the time we can look after your stall for you."
The artisan market offers a variety of items including candles, framed pictures and cards, children's clothes, pets' boutique, jewellery, homeware, skin care, a children's illustrator, umbrellas and wooden gifts.
To book call 01625 521322.
To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/johnsfund
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