CHILDREN who care for their loved-ones will benefit from £1,500 raised by members of Sidmouth Conservative Club.

The Young Carers charity was presented the sum at the club’s Radway HQ on Saturday following a year of fundraising.

A well-attended evening saw the chairman, Derek Truesdale, praise some of the people involved in securing the amount.

Gina Truesdale organised events, David Tuckley generously donated a painting of his for an auction night and the town’s Line Dancing Club gave cash. All members who attended various functions were thanked.

A cheque was presented to Liz McQuiston, Young Carers lead practioner for East Devon. Also present were David Luxton, 13, and his brother Jamie, 10. Sidmouth College student David, who has won two public speaking competitions, and Jamie both care for their younger brother.

The cause helps young carers, aged from five to 18 in the Sidmouth area, get the support and help for other family members – either a parent or sibling.

Most of these young people have the responsibility of looking after loved-ones, such as feeding and dressing them, cleaning the house and making sure medication is taken.

This can affect their schooling and other areas of their lives trying to cope with difficult and sometimes complex circumstances.

Liz said: “This money will help with providing respite activities, including residential weekends, drop-in clubs, school clubs, family support, counselling and provide transport to and from activities.”