THE Lynn News Young Carers Appeal has now hit the £12,000 mark thanks to a donation by a group of generous bowlers.

The West Newton Carpet Bowls Club has raised £300 to help children and teenagers who are caring for sick relatives.

Club chairman Trevor Riches presented the money to campaign organiser Jackie Haverson on Tuesday.

The total now stands at a fantastic £12,553 but more money is still needed to help the scores of children and teenagers who looking after relatives.

We are working with West Norfolk Carers to make a difference to youngsters who are giving up their childhood to deal with very adult problems.

The appeal will help youngsters, aged between five and 18, who look after family members suffering from physical disabilities, serious illnesses as well as mental health and substance abuse problems.

Money raised through the campaign will go towards the costs of trips out for youngsters and transport to meetings.

Generous bowlers have raised the money by paying 5p for hitting the wooden block during the last season.

West Newton Bowls Club has been running for more than 10 years after being founded by Betty and Cyril Gillett, Norman Smith, along with a group of friends.

Carpet bowls is played by two teams of four people who have to get as close as possible to a pre-positioned jack bowl.

The club meets every Tuesday, between September and April, in West Newton Village Hall from 7pm.

Mr Riches, who would welcome new members, said he was pleased to support the appeal.

He said: “The carers do a great job and they deserve a lot of support.

“We wanted to support a charity which helps youngsters or children. The young carers have a tough life. We all thought it was a very deserving cause.”

Delighted Mrs Haverson is hoping to reach the £15,000 mark by June and is appealing for more people to get behind the appeal and praised the bowlers for their efforts.

She said: “Thank you so very much. It was unexpected. It was really nice and will benefit the children.”

West Norfolk Carers will be running fundraising stalls on Tuesday Market Place, Lynn, on May 15 and June 19.

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