A GRASSROOTS charity has hosted a week of respite retreats for people living with disabilities and their carers.

As part of Sponsor A Stay, five disabled adults and their carers were chosen to stay free of charge for one week at award-winning activity centre Calvert Kielder, which is fully equipped with specialist facilities and a range of exhilarating activities, where they could have an essential break for the benefit of their wellbeing.

The venture was set up voluntarily by Kate Stanforth from Stocksfield, who suffers from multiple complex conditions.

Kate said: “I started Sponsor A Stay because so many people and their carers have never experienced a respite break and I wanted to find a way to fund the opportunity to relieve some of the stresses of everyday life.

“I chose Calvert Kielder because I have come on respite here myself. Calvert doesn’t just offer an accessible space to take a relaxing break; it also allows people to take part in exciting activities they’ve never done before. I am thrilled to be able to give others the chance to experience empowering respite at such a wonderful location.”

Calvert Kielder funded one of the retreats alongside sponsors London North Eastern Railway, Sunrise Medical, Allied Mobility, Loopwheels and Triride UK.

Peter Cockerill, CEO at Calvert Kielder said: “As soon as we heard about the project we knew it was something we wanted to support and we are extremely proud of Kate and what she has achieved for the community.

“It has been an honour to be chosen as the location. We are committed to giving people with disabilities access to outdoor activities and are always looking for opportunities to improve our respite experience.”