Income protection specialists, Cirencester Friendly, raised over £6,000 for Gloucestershire Young Carers last year.

The society's charity committee was kept busy with a year of bake sales, Halloween treasure hunts, monthly quizzes and a Santa's grotto.

A highlight of the year was when the team were joined by a young carer at their static cycling event, in which staff took turns to cycle the distance between all of the Gloucestershire Young Carers respite support groups - a total of 164 miles.

This event alone raised £330, a sum that was matched by the society.

Sophie Barran-Jones, lead of the charity committee, said: "As a mutual, we believe it's important to give back and support small charities that make a real difference to individuals and families in and around Gloucestershire. Last year we supported the wonderful charity Gloucestershire Young Carers and we are delighted to have raised a huge £6,346."

Jane Dyer, fundraising and marketing manager of Gloucestershire Young Carers, said: "It was a delight to work with Cirencester Friendly Society. From the very first meeting it was clear that their staff really engaged with the challenges of young carers.

"Many identified with what young carers face in their day to day lives, supporting a family member who is ill or disabled. 

"The team organised some fun events and we were able to involve young carers - especially the street static cycle ride. It is always exciting when a whole team embraces fundraising and awareness raising for a charity - from cake sales to producing art for our major fundraiser last year.

"We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone and the funds raised really will make a difference for young carers in Cirencester and the surrounding area."

Cirencester Friendly staff voted for The James Hopkins Trust as their Charity of the Year 2020.

The charity provides nursing respite care for Gloucestershire's life limited and life threatened young children.

Cirencester Friendly is looking forward to raising vital funds for this local charity through exciting challenges and events throughout the year.