MORE than 50 people took part in a danceathon to raise money for The Westmorland Gazette’s Give Them a Break appeal.

Dancers of all abilities and age gathered from Kendal, Endmoor and Milnthorpe for the special campaign fundraiser.

The Give Them a Break appeal aims to raise £20,000 to give people who voluntarily care for a loved-one, relative or friend much needed respite.

This could be a one-night dinner, a bed and breakfast stay at a Lake District hotel or a day’s activity, such as a spa break, an adventure trip or a day’s walking.

Sue Pysden, who leads the line-dancing group, said that every year the club chooses a local charity to support and the Gazette appeal was perfect.

“When we saw the headline we all agreed on the charity,” she said. “One of our young dancers is now a carer for one of her parents. Children need to be children so if this appeal can help in any way then we are in full support.”

The danceathon, which included 105 dances, lasted for eight hours and raised almost £500 towards the cause.

“This appeal means a lot to some of our dancers,” Sue said, “We are glad to help those we know get a well-earned break.”

The campaign also seeks to raise awareness of the work of the charity South Lakeland Carers (SLC), which provides practical and emotional support and advice to around 1,250 unpaid carers across the area.

Meanwhile, another guesthouse, the Glenholme in Kendal, is also backing the Give Them a Break campaign by donating a room for free. Owner Glynis Capstick wanted to give to the campaign as she can relate to what carers go through on a daily basis.

“My dad has dementia,” she said. “So I can understand how some of these carers may feel. You can get angry, you can feel trapped and ultimately you feel guilty for feeling like that.

“And so being able to give back to someone who is going through the same journey I have been through is important.”

Miss Capstick explained how important it was for the carers to get a bit of ‘me time’ to recharge their batteries.

“Your health is important and the people you care for would want you to have the best care of life,” she said. “I want to encourage others in the same position as me to get on board. If other guest houses and hotels could donate it could make a huge difference.”

To donate to the campaign, complete the coupon and return it to Mike Addison, Give Them a Break, The Westmorland Gazette, 1 Wainwright’s Yard, Kendal, LA9 4DP.

Make cheques payable to ‘Give Them a Break.’ You can also visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/GiveThemABreak