HRH The Princess Royal opens Preston Carers Centre

HRH The Princess Royal, President of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, officially opened the new Preston Carers Centre, Church Street, Preston, Lancashire on 8 January 2008.

During her visit, Princess Anne had the opportunity to hear about the work of the Carers’ Centre and talk to the carers about the support they have received and what the new centre means to them. She also met some young carers who showed her some of the craftwork they were doing.

Before unveiling a plaque and signing the visitors’ book to commemorate her visit, HRH said: “I want to thank everyone who has been involved in this project, which will help many carers. This building is a very important part of increasing support for carers and allows people to meet with different organisations and beneficiaries to get the help they need.”

She also met the Chair of Preston Carers Centre Management Board, Dave Roberts, Centre Manager, Ben Blackman and Management Board members/carers, Yakub Gangat and Angela Melling.

The legendary footballer, Sir Tom Finney, a carer for many years for his wife Elsie who had Alzheimer’s before her death in 2004, was amongst the guests. He said “Her visit will make people aware of the need of more places like this as they are wonderful and help so much. I know how carers feel sometimes and it is fantastic that they now have somewhere to go in Preston.”