Hundreds of older Cumbrians will benefit from 'a lifeline' fund that will help them heat their home during the winter. 

Cumbria Community Foundation's annual Winter Warmth Appeal has launched and is once again promising to help vulnerable people who have to choose between eating or heating their home. 

Last year, by working with community partners such as Age UK and Copeland Age & Advice Service, more than 1,900 people were able to have something extra to help them. 

Sandra Parker, 71, from Carlisle, was one of the people to receive the grant. She said: “It was really helpful; very, very useful for me. Without it I would have been struggling – not just with the heating, but with life in general. 

Sandra ParkerSandra Parker (Image: Jonathan Becker)

“It just made a real difference for me.”

Every year, between 300 and 500 older people die in Cumbria as a result of not being able to heat their homes. 

With the Winter Fuel Payment now being means-tested, many more people may face a difficult winter.

Without the extra support made available by the Winter Warmth Appeal, people like Joan Bowes, 85, from Mirehouse in Whitehaven would find themselves having to cut back and put on extra layers instead.

Joan BowesJoan Bowes (Image: TOM KAY)

She said: "It made a lot of difference to me; I could get a bit more shopping in and put the heating on when it was cold.

"Without this and the Government grant, I wouldn’t manage all my bills. I have to do without heating.

"I think I will just have to cut back more and put on extra clothes and extra socks."

Among those hoping to receive a payment this year is 65-year-old Shirley McGuire, from Denton Holme in Carlisle. Without it, she does not think she will be able to turn on her heating this winter.

"I’m about to retire and I’d said to my sister that at least as a pensioner I’d get the winter fuel payment and finally be able to turn on my heating, and then the Government took it away.

"It’s just wonderful that Age UK, through the Winter Warmth Appeal, has been able to help me – it is very much needed.

"I’m used to always being cold: it’s food or heat for me. This fund is a lifeline."

Christine Pattinson, 66, from Distington, also received a grant from the appeal last winter. She said: “It was totally unexpected last year, but certainly helped a lot. My husband has quite a few things wrong with him, so we always have to have the heating on that bit more for him.

Christine PattinsonChristine Pattinson (Image: TOM KAY)   

“The grant just took a bit of pressure off us.”

If you would like to find out how to apply for the fund, call either Becky Graham from Age UK North Cumbria on 01228 536673 or Lesley Amor from Copeland Age & Advice Service on 01946 552166.

Donate online using this link: https://cumbriafoundation.enthuse.com/cf/cumbria-winter-warmth-appeal-2024