Generous revellers gave a much-needed boost to a Cumbria charity at their main fundraising event of the year

200 partygoers turned out in support of Carer Support South Lakes at their sold-out annual fundraising Carers Ball, including a charity auction at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal.

The event itself raised over £21,000 for the charity, and the figure is still rising.

Business Development Manager Marian Graveson said: " It's always a great party. We have a local band The Seals, and some people come just because they're playing! They're good friends of ours, and they know which songs get people on the dance-floor.

"It's great at the Castle Green and we hold it there because it's the biggest venue in Kendal. We could probably sell double the amount of tickets if we had the venue! Castle Green can hold 250 normally but we had to restrict it to 200 this year to keep it sensible with Covid still around."

Covid restrictions in 2020 meant that last year's annual ball couldn't go ahead, and Marian said this was a big blow to their fundraising efforts, as the annual ball is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Carer Support South Lakes.

Chief Operating Officer Debi Marsden said: "Next year will be our 30th year, so we're planning a big year of events, leading up to our next Carers Ball on 25 November 2022 so save the date!"

HOW DOES CARER SUPPORT HELP PEOPLE?

The charity raises money independently to support unpaid carers throughout the South Lakes, and Marian explained how this works:

"We help the carers to continue doing what they do, and to try to give them some time off. Whatever the carer asks our help for, whether it be some gardening, or for them be able to go to the doctor, we can accommodate that."

Marian said that the flexibility in how they are able to help carers is vital, given the huge spectrum of ages to consider.

"Our youngest (carer) is five years old, which is shocking to think about, and our oldest is 98, and he looks after his 97-year old wife.

"We have around 126 young carers, who look after family members".

To find out how you can help, donate or more about the service, visit www.carersupportsouthlakes.org.uk