Money from a county-wide appeal to help people pay their heating bills this year is set to be doubled.
Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal is expected to double by Friday, December 22, hanks to the generosity of match funders.
Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “We’ve extended the deadline for match funding donations until 5pm on December 22 to maximise the amount raised.
“Thanks to the generosity of our match funding champions, every £1 the public give will be doubled, so every person’s donation will really make double the difference.
“Our aim is to raise at least £500,000, so that we can support as many people as possible.
“Our delivery partners at Age UK tell us that people are being forced to choose whether they eat or heat their homes. It’s that desperate.”
One such beneficiary is Stewart Taberham, 75, of Morton Park in Carlisle.
He said: “I’m waiting for an operation and I need the heating on 24/7 because of my health problems.
“That costs me £250 a month, which I can’t afford on a fixed income.
“This help has made a considerable difference.”
Barbara Wilson, 78, of Egremont, said: “I have circulation problems so I need to keep warm.
“My great-granddaughters bought me a pair of heated gloves.
“I was sitting in the cold wearing these and a coat.
“The help from the Winter Warmth Appeal means I can have the heating on.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here