Donor to double funds raised by carer charity

A donor has offered to double the money raised in a Christmas appeal organised by a carers' charity.

St Ives-based Caring Together helps people looking after a family member with a disability or long-term illness in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Norfolk.

The charity had hoped to raise £5,000, and the unnamed supporter has promised to double every donation received before midnight on Christmas Eve - up to a total of £5,000.

Chief executive Miriam Martin said: "This appeal allows us to continue providing the essential services [carers] need, while offering donors an opportunity to double the impact of their generosity."

"The donations will also help us provide treats, trips out and fun breaks from caring for children who are carers, some as young as four years old," she added.

The charity helped 27,000 unpaid carers - and the people they support - in a variety of ways throughout 2023 and 2024.

Services include a telephone advice line, emergency planning, organised breaks and opportunities to meet others in the same circumstances.

The charity said there were at least 52,000 unpaid carers in Cambridgeshire and "many struggle with stretched finances, exhaustion, isolation, emotional stress and anxiety".

It added there were more than 150,000 carers living in its entire catchment.

Ms Martin said: "Unpaid carers in our community are heroes, often going above and beyond to care for family members and friends with little recognition or support.

"We are so grateful to our generous supporter for making this Christmas Appeal even more impactful."

It has so far raised £3,600.

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