TV celebrity Jeff Stelling puts his backing behind Hartlepool's 12-000-strong army of carers

Jeff has become the patron of Hartlepool Carers which has more than 12,000 members including 2,000 children. The group’s chief executive Christine Fewster praised his passion for backing the town.

Jeff, from Hartlepool and who is a presenter on Sky Sports, said: “This crisis has made us all realise how important carers are. Unpaid and unheralded, they put other people first. I am so pleased they are finally getting some recognition of the job they do, even though that’s not the reason they do it.

“Hartlepool has always been a caring town where people look out for each other. It has never been more important than in these difficult times. “

Hartlepool is said to have over 10,000 adult carers and 2,000 young carers providing essential care to loved ones with long term illness, disabilities, mental health concerns and substance misuse.

Jeff’s support comes just a month after he posted a message online to praise Hartlepool’s Carers and the work they are doing.

Christine said: “We were delighted Jeff got behind Hartlepool Carers to support us this year in National Carers week. The national aim this year was to ensure unpaid carers were visible within our local community.

“Jeff certainly helped us to raise their profile and he kindly sent us a message we could share with carers.

“Following Carers Week in June, we have had further discussion with Jeff and we can now announce he has recently became Hartlepool Carers patron.

“Jeff has a real passion for Hartlepool and we are pleased to have him on board with our charity. We believe we can work together to raise the awareness and challenges carers face not only in Hartlepool but across the country.”

Earlier in the lockdown, the Hartlepool Mail told how the town had an army of around 12,000 people who were looking after loved ones and that included 2,000 young carers with some aged just five.

To find out more about the carers and its support schemes, contact (01429) 283095.

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