CHARITY staff scaled the highest peak in Wales to raise a mountain of money to send young carers from Dudley on a well deserved break.

By conquering Mount Snowdon, the nine members of Dudley Young Carers, which is part of Spurgeons Children's Charity, managed to rake in £1,013 of the £1,500 they need to send 18 deserving youngsters to the Young Carers Festival in June.

Senior young carers support worker, Dish Baldish Kaur, said: “Climbing Snowdon, for me, was the physical and mental aspect of being able to challenge my mind and body. It was such an achievement when I reached the top.

"The money raised will help the young carers meet others in similar situations at the festival, where they will be able to learn and develop new skills.”

Dudley Young Carers support 112 five to 18-year-olds who take on regular or ongoing care and support for a family member, including a parent or sibling with a physical or mental illness, a disability, or who is struggling with substance misuse.

One youngster hoping to go to the festival is Alex Griffiths from Brierley Hill, who carers for his mum, Sharon, who has has MS, his grandmother Angela, who is a double amputee and his grandfather Albert, who has suffered from a series of strokes.

The 17-year-old said: “The festival is a truly phenomenal experience for us. It's such an important event, showcasing the support available for young carers across the UK.

"You can spend time relaxing and sunbathing, get involved with the arts and crafts, dance at the disco or climb a rock wall.

"The festival provides a weekend of respite combined with activities, whilst enjoying a well-earned break away from home.”

To help the team reach their target, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/dudleyyoungcarers.