A CHARITY that strives to give disabled people a sense of independence has been given a significant financial boost.

The Oaklea Trust has been announced as this month's recipient of the Lake District Farmers Charitable Trust donation.

Each month, the Evening Mail hands over £1,000 on behalf of the Trust to worthy causes across the area.

Angela Fell, support worker and lifestyle co-ordinator at Oaklea Trust, was delighted to receive the funding.

She said: "I'm absolutely ecstatic - totally over the moon because it just makes such a big difference.

"So many people can just go out and buy things they need but these people have to wait. If they ever need anything they have to apply for funding."

The money will be used to buy new televisions for disabled people living in the Oaklea Trust's three Barrow houses.

These houses enable disabled people to carry out their everyday lives with the added support of people like Ms Fell.

With staff helping them every step of the way, people can soon begin to carry out a whole range of tasks while maintaining an independent lifestyle.

Ms Fell said: "We had one lady who came a couple of years ago who was still living with her mum and dad. It makes such a difference because people come on so much."

With very little to work with, luxury items such as up-to-date televisions can be little more than a dream to people with disabilities and Ms Fell is delighted to be able to make such a difference to their everyday lives.

She said: "Some of the people here have a very low income and if they want to go to the pictures it takes weeks and weeks to collect enough money together to buy a ticket.

"We take it so much for granted to be able to go when we want so things like this make a big difference to them.

"When I told them about the donation I got a big bunch of flower so it was just lovely to be able to help."

The money was raised at an annual celebrity chef event held in Dalton, hosted and sponsored by Clarence House Country Hotel and Restaurant.

Previous recipients of the Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund have included Self-Harm Awareness for All Cumbria, Barrow Dads Group and The Croft Care Trust.

Visit www.nwemail.co.uk/ldf to apply for the £1,000 donation and be in with a chance.

<strong> If you would like to apply for funding click here. </strong>

<strong> Read more about Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Trust here. </strong>

<strong> Read more: Barrow group to support carers of people with mental health issues gets funding boost </strong>