Mecca Bingo staff show their caring side

Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton launching the charity partnership with Carers Trust last year

Team members at Mecca Rochdale are celebrating after helping to raise a whopping £500,000 for the charity Carers Trust.

The partnership between the charity and the Rank Group, which owns Mecca and Grosvenor Casinos, began in February 2014 and saw the Smith Street club take part in a host of different activities to raise much-needed funds.

Throughout the year team members at the club have organised a whole host of fundraising events, from 24/7 challenges to the most recent ‘Wear Your Onesie’ to work day, as well as going the extra mile by giving their time as volunteers to support local Carers Trust Network Partners.

Gary Taylor, general manager at Rochdale, said: “It’s a sobering thought to think that three out of five of us will become carers at some point in our lives. I’d like to say a massive thanks to our team members and kind-hearted customers who have helped raise such a fantastic amount of money for Carers Trust.

“There are no words to describe the importance of what these carers do in our community, and it’s an honour to know how much we’ve been able to help make life that little bit easier for some of the unpaid carers in our area who could easily go unnoticed and unsupported.”

Dr Moira Fraser, interim chief executive of Carers Trust, said: “Team members and customers at Mecca Rochdale should be very proud of what they have achieved. Thanks to them, we have been able to award the highest amount in direct grants to carers we have ever made in any one year, providing over 1,000 carers with respite breaks, essential equipment such as washing machines and the chance to go on courses and learn new skills.”