STAFF at Mecca Bridgwater are celebrating after helping to raise £500,000 for the charity Carers Trust.

Throughout the year team members at the club have organised a whole host of fundraising events, from 24/7 challenges to the most recent ‘Wear Your Onesie’ to work day, as well as going the extra mile by giving their time as volunteers to support local Carers Trust Network Partners.

The partnership between the charity and the Rank Group, which owns Mecca and Grosvenor Casinos, began in February, 2014, and saw the Penel Orlieu club take part in a host of different activities to raise much-needed funds.

Stephanie Fox, general manager at Bridgwater, said: “I’d like to say a massive thanks to our team members and kindhearted customers who have helped raise such a fantastic amount of money for Carers Trust.

“There are no words to describe the importance of what these carers do in our community, and it’s an honour to know how much we’ve been able to help make life that little bit easier for some of the unpaid carers in our area who could easily go unnoticed and unsupported.”

Dr Moira Fraser, interim chief executive of Carers Trust, said: “Team members and customers at Mecca Bridgwater should be very proud of what they have achieved.

“Thanks to them, we have been able to award the highest amount in direct grants to carers we have ever made in any one year, providing over 1,000 carers with respite breaks, essential equipment such as washing machines and the chance to go on courses and learn new skills.”