Seven-year-old Dorset carer smashes charity dance-a-thon

Young carer Emberly Heppenstall danced for four hours straight on April 16 to raise vital funds for MYTIME Young Carers, with herself having cared for her mother since the age of five.

The youngster was inspired to tackle the funky fundraiser to ensure the Poole-based charity continues to provide young carers with support. Before the challenge, Emberly said: “MYTIME helps me when I have struggles and worries about my mummy. We need to fundraise, because if MYTIME run out of money, the Zoom meetings for all the young carers can’t happen anymore.”

Emberly has since beaten her fundraising target of £1,250 by raising more than £1,535 and counting.

“I am so proud of Emberly’s efforts and how well she did,” said Emberly’s mum Jen. “She took on the challenge made by herself and smashed it.

Young carer Emberly Heppenstall with her parents

“Emberly says she really enjoyed all the music and although she felt tired at the end of it, she is so pleased to have raised the money. We both want to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated and MYTIME charity will benefit so much.”

More than 80 people generously donated to Emberly’s fundraiser. One person said: “Well done Emberly. What a great thing to do and I am loving your moves.”

Another said: “What a lovely charity and what an amazing young lady. Well done.”

MYTIME’s fundraising director Penelope Day said: “Emberly is such an extraordinary character and an incredible ambassador for young carers everywhere. She’s full of ideas and ambition, and there’s no holding her back. We’re enormously proud of her for setting herself this challenge.”

The fundraising page is still open for donations. Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jen-heppenstall1 for more information.