Staff at Cirencester Friendly have raised more than £6,000 for charity.

Throughout 2019, the income protection specialists actively supported countywide children’s charity, Gloucestershire Young Carers.

It was a busy year for the society’s charity committee who provided a jam-packed year of bake sales, Halloween treasure hunts, monthly quizzes plus a Santa’s grotto to name a few.

A special highlight was when the team were joined by a young carer himself at their static Cycling Event in which staff took turns to cycle the distance of touring all the Gloucestershire Young Carers respite support groups, a total of 164 miles.

This event alone raised £330, a sum that was matched by the society.

Thanks to the efforts of staff throughout 2019, a total of £6,346 was raised for the charity.

Sophie Barran-Jones, lead of the charity committee said: “As a mutual, we believe it’s important to give back and support small charities that make a real difference to individuals and families in and around Gloucestershire. 2019 was no exception!

"Last year we supported the wonderful charity Gloucestershire Young Carers and we are delighted to have raised a huge £6,346.”

Jane Dyer, fundraising and marketing manager, Gloucestershire Young Carers said: "It was a delight to work with Cirencester Friendly Society - from the very first meeting it was clear that their staff really engaged with the challenges of young carers.

"Many identified with what young carers face in their day to day lives, supporting a family member who is ill or disabled.

"The team organised some fun events and we were able to involve young carers - especially the street static cycle ride.

"It is always exciting when a whole team embraces fundraising and awareness raising for a charity - from cake sales to producing art for our major fundraiser last year.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone and the funds raised really will make a difference for young carers in Cirencester and the surrounding area."

To continue the great charitable work of the society, nominations for the 2020 Charity of the Year were put to a staff vote.

The successful charity that received the most votes and is therefore the new Charity of the Year 2020 is the James Hopkins Trust, who provide nursing respite care for Gloucestershire’s life limited and life threatened young children.

Cirencester Friendly is looking forward to raising vital funds through exciting challenges and events throughout the year.