Christine Fewster, pictured third from the right outside the respite caravan, is grateful for what UChangeLives achieved in 2021 and hopes to help raise more money this year.
Hartlepool Carers have described the lasting impact the very first UChangeLives had on supporting others across the town.
Christine Fewster, the CEO of the charity, has announced that there will be a Race Night on Friday, September 29 (6.30-10pm) at Café 177, York Road, as part of this month’s return of the PFC Trust-led campaign.
UChangeLives’ ‘Get Up and Give’ initiative wants Individuals to raise funds to support the PFC Trust’s work in the community.
It offers sports clubs, community groups or other charitable organisations the option to raise funds on a 50/50 split, with 50 per cent going back to help your own group’s fundraising efforts.
Hartlepool Carers are doing just that, recalling just how important UChangeLives was in 2021 when enough money was raised to purchase a respite caravan for the town’s young carers – a second was also purchased to help Stockton’s young carers.
Christine said: “The last UChangeLives appeal provided unpaid carers with the opportunity to receive much needed respite.
“Hartlepool Carers now own a high-end holiday home at Cresswell Towers in Northumberland. We have provided over 200 people with low cost/free short breaks, allowing them to recharge their batteries to continue living well alongside their caring role.
“Families tell us, it has been a lifeline, and an opportunity to spend some time away with other family members. Our young carers have had several weekends away, supported by our staff team as it can be difficult for them to get away and have a break.
“The impact has been significant, and we don't have many spare breaks available, showing is popularity. Without our community and PFC Trust this would not have been possible.”
Tickets for this month’s Race Night at Café 177 are £5 and include a giant hot dog, music and “lots of fun”.
Surface Smart will be the night’s headline sponsor and the external cleaning specialists’ Hartlepool-born managing director Jonathan Fewster was keen to be involved to try to “help change people's lives working alongside two great charities.”
Other race night sponsors include Lilly Anne’s Café, Poolie Time Exchange, Rafferty’s, Bar 31, Let’s Connect, Andromeda and HartlePower.
Christine said: “We value our relationship with PFC Trust and work together to help our community in Hartlepool.
“This year's appeal is a great way for organisations to share the wealth and help more people. We want to raise as much money as possible to continue providing free activities and events.
“We understand that times are tough for everyone and providing free weekly events helps people get out of the house and meet up with friends old and new.
“50 per cent of what Hartlepool Carers raise will provide up and coming Halloween and Christmas events as well as go to our Christmas Gift Project. The other half will help the PFC Trust continue to support our community.”
*If anyone can support the Race Night please call 01429 283095. The Carers are looking for raffle prizes, Tombola prizes and people to book tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charity-race-night-tickets-713225906887
*If you want to support the campaign without taking part in an activity, you can still be involved by texting ‘UCHANGELIVES’ to 70580 to make a one-off donation of £5.00. Every donation goes a long way to support the PFC Trust.
*To sign up to join the UChangeLives #getupandgive in September go to
Comments