Chester Lions have allocated their 10 Gold Bond in this year’s London Marathon to raise cash for Cheshire Young Carers.

In the 16 years that Chester Lions have been allocated these places more than £250,000 has been raised for local charities, at an average of about £16,000 per year.

Lion president Peter Upton and Alan Jones of Cheshire Young Carers met some of the runners who will tackle the iconic race on Sunday, April 26 to thank them personally for their efforts.

Peter Upton said: “Young Carers have extremely difficult lives caring for parents, siblings and other family members and they will benefit from the money raised from sponsorship by receiving a ‘great experiences activity package’ for a group of them.

“Dependent on the amount raised this could be either travel to a European capital city to learn about a different country and its culture or to a UK Outward Bound course in The Lake District or similar.

“Either of these opportunities will have a hugely positive impact on their lives and childhood, developing their self esteem, confidence and life skills and at the same time giving them some respite from their caring responsibilities.”

Chester Lions have helped Cheshire Young Carers for many years by providing, for example, a mentor training programme, funding a play about young carers, a number of sports days and annual recognition awards via the Lions Young Leaders in service.

To support the runners visit www.justgiving.com/cheshireyoungcarers .