AS WE relax with our families to enjoy the festive season, I’d like to ask your readers to spare a thought for those who are unable to take such simple pleasures for granted this Christmas.

There are millions of people in the UK affected by disability - they may be disabled themselves and confined to a wheelchair, or caring for a loved one with a disability. Many carers devote themselves 24/7 to caring for a loved one, without any chance of a break. Can you imagine yourself in the same situation?

I work for Vitalise, a wonderful charity that provides much-needed respite breaks for disabled people and carers. Our breaks are an absolute lifeline, enabling our guests to regain their strength and restore their ability to cope.

But here’s the problem: according to our own research, seven out of 10 carers will not get a break from caring this Christmas - in fact, half of carers have never had a break at Christmas. For people struggling with the daily demands of giving and receiving care, Christmas must be a particularly lonely and stressful time of year.

Would your readers like to help Vitalise change all that? We transform the lives of thousands of disabled people and carers each year through our respite breaks, but there are countless thousands more in dire need of support. We need your help to reach out to them.

So this Christmas and New Year, why not resolve to make a real difference to someone else’s life in 2015? There are so many ways you can help, from something as simple as making a donation, to taking part in a fundraising event or sparing some time to volunteer at one of our centres. It’s your chance to spread some lasting goodwill!

We really need your help. If you would like to support Vitalise, please call 0303 303 0147 or visit www.vitalise.org.uk.

Colin Brook

Vitalise