Community rallies to raise £1,000s for struggling new Worthing business

RanSacked opened in Portland Road in February for customers to get together, play board games and socialise in relatively close proximity.

After opening to much acclaim, March’s lockdown closed its doors before a difficult summer followed and earlier this month, hamstrung by social distancing rules, its owners decided it was not financially viable to stay open.

But after hearing of the business’ plight in the Herald and a social media post from RanSacked, Worthing’s community has rallied as it so often does and supported the fledgling business with a fundraiser that has already raised more than £2,400.

“We didn’t expect such a quick and generous response,” said Charlotte, who opened Ransacked with her brother, Gwynn Rance-Shilbach and Kat Rance-Shilbach,

“It is heartwarming to know that so many people in Worthing want our board game lounge to succeed.”

The fundraiser invited customers who would otherwise have visited RanSacked this year to donate their £5 cover charge.

Instead, many donors have gone above and beyond, some pledging hundreds of pounds.

Charlotte said all the money made would go towards running costs such as rent, staffing and paying back the start-up debts familiar to most new businesses.

They are also trialling a board game rental service over Christmas – more details about which can be found through their social media pages @ransackedltd

She said she still believed there was a future for RanSacked and could not wait to welcome customers back through the doors.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit here: www.gofundme.com/f/the-ransacked-rescue-fund