The Co-operative hits £1m milestone for young carers

Employees have run marathons, completed grueling cycle rides and braved Ben Nevis for the cause

• Guardian Professional

Sugababe singer Jade Ewen, herself a young adult carer, launched The Co-operative's Charity of the Year partnership with Carers Trust earlier this year. Photograph: Co-operative

Staff at The Co-operative have reached the £1m milestone in their quest to raise the money needed to help a generation of young adult carers to change their world.

The figure has been achieved less than three months after Sugababe singer Jade Ewen, herself a young adult carer, launched The Co-operative's Charity of the Year partnership with Carers Trust.

Employees have run marathons, completed grueling cycle rides and braved Ben Nevis as they aim to raise a total of £5m to allow Carers Trust - which formed last year when The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care came together – to provide desperately needed breaks, information, advice and support and services for 14-25 year-olds facing the challenges of caring.

Michael Fairclough, The Co-operative's head of community and co-operative investment, said: "I am delighted to see the enthusiasm our staff, members and customers are demonstrating in support of young people in our communities who undertake unpaid practical and emotional caring responsibilities for family members or friends who cannot cope without them.

"Although it will affect most families at some time, caring remains a hidden issue. Together we will put this issue on the agenda and make life changing differences to thousands of young lives."

Thea Stein, chief executive of Carers Trust, said: "This is wonderful news. At the start of our partnership with The Co-operative we dared to dream of a transformative year for Carers Trust and for those hard-working young people all around us who desperately need our support and services.

"We are already hearing from young people across the UK who are thrilled that this hidden issue is being recognised and it is with thanks to the staggering support of The Co-operative."

The Co-operative's support for Carers Trust forms part of its commitment to inspiring young people.

There are an estimated 500,000 young adult carers (14-25 year-olds) in the UK who care for a family member or friend who are ill, frail, disabled or have mental health or addiction problems and cannot cope without their support.

For more information about The Co-operative's Charity of the Year partnership with Carers Trust visit www.co-operative.coop/charityoftheyear

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