A CHARITY which supports family carers, dementia patients and disabled children now has a specially-equipped minibus following a year-long fundraising campaign.

Crossroads Care Brentwood, Basildon and Districts is delighted by the £28,000 coach, which is equipped with a life and dedicated wheelchair space bought at a special rate from Ford Motor Company and partly funded by a £20,000 Clothworkers grant.

Two fundraising dinners were held by Marygreen Manor, in London Road, Brentwood, a donation of £1,500 was given by the Rotary Club of Brentwood and Basildon’s Sound Financial Group gave £5,000 towards the cost.

The mission of the Hutton-based organisation is to provide vital respite breaks for family carers by organising clubs for children with physical disabilities and learning difficulties and people struggling with dementia.

They also support young carers who are forced to juggle looking after a parent or close relative alongside their school work, by organising much-needed days out.

George Froom, the Chairman of the Trustees at CCBBD said: “We are forever grateful to everyone who has helped us get this minibus on the road so that we can transport the people who really rely upon us for help.

“The difference that this vehicle will make to many peoples’ lives across the Brentwood and Basildon areas is tremendous, thank you all so very much for your generous donations of money and time.

“This minibus will offer crucial respite breaks for people who care for a loved one at home and an opportunity for them to spend some quality time away from their fulltime caring responsibilities, a chance them to shine as individuals.”