A HUGE £3,000 donation from the Mayor of Carlisle’s charity fund has been made to the CFM Cash for Kids coronavirus appeal.

The appeal will help Cumbrian families cope with the cost of living during such tumultuous times - it will cover essentials costs such as food and heating.

Cash for Kids is one of the Mayor’s chosen charities so she is trying to ensure this massive donation is made quickly.

Councillor Marilyn Bowman, the Mayor of Carlisle, said: “It’s been an honour to be Mayor of the City of Carlisle for the last ten months, and it’s been a privilege to meet the many members of our community who are volunteers for our local charities and support organisations.

“CFM’s Cash for Kids is a charity close to my heart and I’m delighted that I am in a position to support their coronavirus appeal.

“Carlisle has a proud history of our citizens pulling together in the face of great adversity and we now face another catastrophe, one that we can’t see, but nevertheless the most serious challenge we have had to deal with.”

“As Mayor of our Great Border City I plead with you to stringently follow the restrictions put in place by the government to protect our vulnerable residents, it is the only way we can beat this virus so please, please do all you can to help us.

“We can and will return to some normality, how long that takes is up to you and I know I can rely on your Cumbrian spirit to do the right thing and get us through this crisis.

“Stay at home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives.”

The money will also be used to pay for school children’s lunch for two weeks.

Teachers, social care workers, and health professionals will be able to apply for funds.

Sara Oldham, charity executive at CFM Cash for Kids, added: “It’s been a complete honour to work alongside the Mayor of Carlisle for the last ten months. “CFM’s Cash for Kids were absolutely delighted to be her chosen charity and thank her and all the generous donors and for all she has done to highlight the work we do for local disadvantaged and disabled children.”

“It really means a lot to so many families”