Local manufacturer British Gypsum’s £2,000 donation to Carer Support Eden allowed unpaid carers to enjoy a festive feast in the run-up to Christmas.

The charity provided two Christmas lunches for adults, and a children's party for young carers, featuring a disco, a magician, and a visit from Father Christmas.

The donation allowed carers across the Eden District to attend meals at The Appleby Hub and the George Hotel in Penrith last month at a heavily subsidised cost.

The party for young carers offered the children the chance to unwind and enjoy some fun away from their usual care responsibilities.

Dani Leslie, Chief Officer at Carer Support Eden, said: “Caring for a loved one can be very demanding and often isolating, but we can often help make things a little easier by helping to arrange support and advice that many unpaid carers desperately need.

“Eden is a particularly rural location in Cumbria, making it difficult for people to care for themselves and difficult for friends and family to visit regularly to care for them.

"Many of our network live in rural areas, and often struggle to carry out essential everyday tasks like visiting the doctors, the pharmacy or even going to the bank or post office. That’s why so many rely on friends and family to help care for them.

“We are so grateful to have received the donation from British Gypsum, who helped bring some festive cheer to what can often be a difficult time for many. Thank you."

It’s estimated that Eden is home to around 6,000 unpaid carers who provide vital care and support to thousands of vulnerable and ill people.

As an independent charity, Carer Support Eden provides information and support for carers of any age in the area, and currently works with around 193 young carers, 80 parent carers, and 600 adult carers.

The organisation delivers one-to-one support, training, assessments, and social events for unpaid carers in the region.

Philip Sant, Plant Manager at British Gypsum’s Kirkby Thore site in Cumbria, said: “We recognise the vital work Carer Support Eden does for our local community, and we were thrilled to help provide a much-needed and well-deserved festive celebration for carers across the area, to thank them for the hard work they do each day.”