A BARROW charity which supports people with learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries is one step closer to its fundraising target thanks to a kind donation.

The Croft Care Trust in Hawcoat Lane, Barrow, was awarded £1,000 from the monthy cheque presentation of the Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund.

The trust hopes to raise £15,000 to fit a hoist and pay for the upgrade of a bedroom to make it sufficient for a person with complex sensory needs.

The Croft Care Trust has been running for 60 years and the nursing home accommodates 23 residents over the age of 18 who require long term care.

Chloe Gavin, staff nurse, said everyone was rallying around the fundraising effort.

Miss Gavin said: "We want to renovate one of our rooms so it is suitable to meed the sensory needs.

"We are hoping to raise £15,000 and so far this year we have done sponsored walks, fancy dress walks and coffee mornings. We are hoping to put on a band night soon.

"Many of our residents have sensory needs. They struggle to find anywhere else in Barrow with the type of support they require. They have got to be hoisted and a lot of places don't have that facility."

Every month, the Evening Mail gives away cash to worthy charities and causes in south Cumbria through the Lake District Farmers.

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

One of the things which sets the Croft Care Trust apart from other nursing homes is its community environment, with bungalows, a club house, craft rooms, phone box, postbox and a sweet shop, creating a village-like feel.

James Higgins, editor of the Evening Mail, said: "I have driven pass the Croft on many occasions without really thinking about what goes on within its walls.
"My eyes were opened when I visited to the fantastic work that a small dedicated team do day in and day out.

"Staff have already started to raise money themselves for the new sensory room and it was a real privilege to help them on their way by handing over a cheque for £1,000."

Click here to apply for the £1,000 donation.

READ MORE:   Barrow trust takes step closer to target thanks to £1k donation