OKEHAMPTON Rotary Club is continuing to show its support for young carers by raising funds for Young Devon.

Rotary clubs across the county have been raising money for young carers to go on a variety of trips and so far they have raised in excess of £10,000 to support Young Devon.

Established in 1949, Young Devon is a progressive charity that exists to change the odds in favour of young people. Challenging negative stereotypes and campaigning shoulder-to-shoulder with young people, Young Devon’s primary objective is to enhance lives and promote opportunity for those least likely to have their voices heard, including young carers. They help provide respite trips for young people caring for their relatives.

Maddy Carragher from Okehampton Rotary said: ‘There are more and more youngsters having to care for a member of their family, be it parents or siblings, and Young Devon looks after the carers — guarding the guardians, if you like — and tries in some small way, to give them back the childhood enjoyment they miss out on as a result.’

The success of the Rotary’s fundraising means that Young Devon now needs to recruit people to help run some of the planned respite trips.

If you can help e-mail [email protected]