CUMBRIAN Tesco stores have helped raise over £5000 for a suicide prevention and bereavement support charity.

In the run-up to Christmas, all three Tesco Superstores in North and West Cumbria contributed to the £5,371 that was raised for Every Life Matters.

These stores in Carlisle, Workington, and Whitehaven were also aided in their fundraising by Tescos in Carnforth, Barrow, and Millom. 

The money raised will go towards all aspects of the charity's work from supporting those bereaved by suicide to working in schools to influence societal change in perceptions and the stigma surrounding suicide. 

Jonny Birdsall, manager of Tesco Whitehaven said: "Tesco stores in Cumbria and Carnforth, are proud to be able to raise this valuable money towards such a great cause.

"With Cumbria having such a high level of Suicide, we thought it very important that we helped support the great work that this charity is doing through the power of our colleagues and customers." 

Chris Wood, Co-founder and CEO of Every Life Matters also commented on the good work the charity will be able to do with the funds raised by the region's Tesco stores.

He said: "We are bowled over by the staff and customers of Tesco’s generosity in raising us a massive £5,731. Thank you.

What a fabulous way to end the year. The funds are sorely needed in Cumbria, both to help us educate our local communities in suicide prevention skills and also to ensure that we can continue to support families facing the loss of a loved one to suicide, perhaps one of the most traumatic forms of bereavement we can experience.”