£3,000 to pay for days out ‘best present we could have had’

The cash was donated to Barnardo’s Willow group in Chapeltown by Leeds-based home credit business International Personal Finance (IPF), through our Give Young Carers a Break fundraising campaign .

Willow manager Sylvia Shatwell said the generous donation could potentially fund special fun-filled days out for more than 500 children.

“A donation like this is a huge bonus and helps us to provide extra fun and breaks from their worries and caring responsibilities,” she said.

“I’m absolutely staggered by it. It really will make such a huge difference.”

The money is likely to be put towards challenging adventures such as a recent “wild in the woods” experience the charity organised with outdoor activities such as tent building.

“We like to put on activities that will stretch young people a little bit and maybe help them to develop a bit of confidence,” she said.

“We want them to try something new and expose them to an opportunity that they might not have had before – something that will create a memory that will stay with them for a long time.

“The most wonderful thing is that it gives them an opportunity to be together with children and young people in similar circumstances.

“That’s a really crucial part of the support we can give them.”

Some of the cash could also go towards putting on activities at new drop-in sessions the service has set up in other areas across Leeds.

“The idea is that once we’ve provided intensive support, young carers can then access support for a much longer period,” said Ms Shatwell.