National Lottery winners from Cumbria have been bringing smiles to the faces of young carers in Blackpool.
National Lottery winners gathered from across the North West, with a combined £40m hosted a circus themed party for the carers and their siblings at Blackpool Tower.
The event occurred at the end of Carers Week 2022. The carers aged from 5 to 17, and activites for the day included juggling and plate spinning.
Andrew Gunn, Respite Lead at Blackpool Young Carers, said, “It really was an absolutely fantastic afternoon. We cannot thank the National Lottery winners enough.
“These carers work so tirelessly and it was so lovely to see them having an afternoon packed with so much fun. Just to see the smiles on their faces meant everything.
One young carer, who looks after her mother and brother, added, “This was just the best day ever! I knew my mum was safe and it meant so much that she was actually able to be there with me seeing me having fun.”
Ian and Sandra Black, from Carlisle, who won £2M in 2022, were two of the winners who helped to organise the day.
Sandra said, “Young carers can so often be forgotten about – it is absolutely incredible what these young people do day in, day out. Being a mother myself, this actually brings tears to my eyes just hearing some of their stories.
“I am so pleased that myself and the other winners here today have been able to play a small part in bringing some joy into their lives. These are all amazing young people.”
Other Cumbrian winners joining Ian and Sandra, included: Tracy Birkbeck, from Penrith, who won £369K on Lotto in 2013 and Helen and Derek Garnett, from Ulverston, who won £1M on EuroMillions in 2017.
Blackpool Carers, which received £1.2M of National Lottery funding over the years helps to enhance the lives of carers by supporting them, and making them feel less isolated.
Read more:Cumbria County Council shows support for National Carer's Week
Read more:Carers week highlights the vital job carers undertake
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