A BELFAST couple who run a popular swap shop store in the city centre, as well as offering support services to charities which help the vulnerable, have been thanked for their work on TV.
Becky Bellamy and Connor Kerr, who run the Swap Shop on Winetavern Street, were surprised in-store by pop legend Sonia, who pretended she was looking for an outfit for an event.
Both Becky and Connor assisted the music icon who then revealed she was there on behalf of BBC One's The One Show as part of its One Big Thank You'
The segment sees those who have gone the extra mile to help others in their community given a massive thank you.
Becky (42) and Connor (33), who live in Dunmurry, were recognised for the work they do to help others.
At their Swap Shop, they sell everything for £10. People can also bring items into the shop and for every item the shop takes, the person can take one of the shop's items for just £5. The shop means old clothes get a new lease of life as a means of helping the environment.
The couple also run a `Free Store' in west Belfast where donated items not being sold in the Swap Shop are stored. The LGBT Centre, Women's Aid and Flourish, which works to support survivors of modern slavery, can then bring in individuals they are helping and they can choose any items they need free of charge.
During the surprise visit from Sonia, the couple were taken on a walk near Union Street where supporters had gathered. Alex Jones, a presenter on The One Show, then appeared on a big screen.
Speaking to the couple, she said: "You two are amazing. The work you've been doing in your community in Belfast is inspiring. It's clear you're making a huge difference for people who need it most."
Speaking to The Irish News, Becky said the surprise had been a "wonderful" experience.
"We try to be really conscious and practical about what we do," she said.
"All of our clothing is second hand".
Becky described Sonia as "so lovely, so sweet".
"For me, being a child of the eighties, I was trying to play it cool," she said.
"We were very touched. It was very emotional to see the thank-yous. We were genuinely, genuinely quite shocked by the whole thing."
Becky revealed the surprise had been carried out in November but not broadcast until this week.
"It was mind-blowing. The two of us sat and watched us," she said.
"It was wonderful. We are very grateful to everybody who contributed to it."
