Shropshire Carers Appeal fundraiser appointed

Elodie Home from Shrewsbury has been appointed as Community Fundraiser, having formerly worked for Macmillan Cancer Support and brings a wealth of fundraising experience to this new and demanding role. She is already looking to encourage local people, groups, companies and schools to help collect money for this cause.

Elodie said: “There are an estimated 30,000 family carers throughout Shropshire who ensure that the person they care for comes to no harm and are able to enjoy their life as much as possible. We want to give them something back.

“In this, the 50th year of the Community Council, we are focusing on carers with this Carers Appeal and through this hopefully highlight of the role of carers and raise vital funds that will enable them to continue in their caring role.

“Shropshire has a hidden army of carers who provide round-the-clock care for a relative, neighbour or close friend, helping with every day tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, shopping or attending medical appointments, even though they themselves may be elderly or in poor health.

“The money raised will help to support the carers in their role through our Support Line (01743 341995) and by drop in surgeries. Our services also include providing information and advice about benefits and we would love people to get behind our fundraising appeal and support in any way they can.

“People can help us by taking part in one of our events or organising one of their own and I would be happy to give talks to local groups and schools about the vital work of the Carers Support Services.”

Community Council chief executive Julia Baron added: “Anyone of us could become a carer at any time to someone young or old and statistically 3 out of 5 of us will, so we do hope that this appeal will be well received by the people of Shropshire, who can help to support the county’s carers and help change people’s lives.”