A SMALL group of women have made a huge impact on the community after raising thousands of pounds for worthy causes. 

Haverigg Harbour Ladies have totted up more than £7,000 after taking on a year's worth of fundraising activities. 

Each year the group hands over cash to a variety of different charities that hold a place close to Millom's heart and this year, three charities gratefully received the much-needed funds. 

This year, JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) - a charity that strives to support young people with type one diabetes - received £2640 from the fundraisers. 

Jude Sutton, a North West representative of the charity, was thrilled by the donation but is astounded at how many children suffer with type one diabetes in Millom. 

She said: "It's always amazing when people fundraise for JDRF and it's amazing that in such a small place there are five children in the same schools with type one. 

"I think it's fantastic the way the community has pulled together - it's incredible."

Type one diabetes can have a significant effect on a child's life, controlling what they can they can eat and when every day of their life. 

Ms Sutton said: "It takes away your freedom having to think before every meal, having to weigh out carbohydrates, read all the packets, inject insulin. 

"All the freedom is gone really but the technology is getting better."

JDRF is working to improve technology to ensure young people can access the help they need to lead normal happy, healthy lives without being tied to the contrainsts of type one diabetes and every penny donated helps bring the charity that little bit closer to finding a cure.

Ms Sutton said: "I just want to say a big thank you to the community for thinking of JDRF."

Other charities across the area to benefit from donations include The Sunshine Room at Millom Infants School and the Meningitis Research Foundation. 

Cllr Janice Brown, who is one of the four Harbour Ladies left, said: "We normally raise money for things that are important to us. 

"We raise the money then give it to whoever we think that year. We've raise about £65,000 over the years through our garden parties, coffee mornings and other events and we usually give it to local charities."

Cllr Doug Wilson, mayor of Millom, praised the efforts of the group saying: "I think they do a great job, particularly Janice Brown and her committee. They've done tremendous work raising money over the years for various charities."

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