“It’s just good to be away for a day and have some time for me.” “I can’t wait to get my nan a present from the seaside.” “I’ve really enjoyed going in the sea and collecting shells.”

A group of 15 young carers were able to swap Walsall for Wales – thanks to a charity-funded day trip to the seaside.

Well Wishers, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity, arranged the special treat thanks to the fundraising efforts of Deena Sobeih from UPS, an International courier company. Deena and colleagues climbed Snowdon and persuaded a normally talkative staff member to hold a sponsored silence.

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at the Trust, then worked with its School Nursing Team and Walsall Council to put plans in place for the seaside adventure to give young carers a day’s break from their responsibilities.

And the day out in Barmouth was a huge success for the group, aged from 11-15.

The young carers all said they enjoyed being able to take a break for a day and have the chance to spend time with each other.

Amina said: “You do have to miss out on things sometimes because you’re needed at home and it can be hard. Today has been great and I have really liked coming to the seaside.”

Nico added: “It’s nice to forget about everything else for a while and just please yourself.”

Deena from UPS, who went along to Barmouth too, said it had been rewarding to see how much the young carers had enjoyed their treat.

“To hear them laughing and see them smiling has been priceless. I have had caring responsibilities myself as a young person and I know how much this can impact your teenage years,” she said.

“It has been lovely to see the difference our fundraising has made first-hand in this way too. “

Georgie added: “It was fantastic to see our idea come together – an idea that came from Deena asking me what could be done to support young patients when she visited the hospital to donate Easter eggs.

“I hope our group of young carers made some special memories this week and will look back on their seaside trip fondly. It was humbling to hear their experiences and its clear they make a difference each and every day to those they care for.”

Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning at Walsall Council, said: “Young carers play an extraordinary role in supporting their families, often making sacrifices to care for their loved ones.

“This seaside trip was more than just a day out. It was a chance for young people to relax, connect with others and enjoy themselves.

“We are grateful to everyone involved in making this possible. It’s a wonderful example of how our community can come together to support and celebrate the resilience and compassion of our young carers.”