SIR,

Most of us are looking forward to taking time off work and relaxing this festive season, but for the UK's six million carers, Christmas will be a hard, unrelenting struggle, just as it has been all year long.

One in eight of us cares for a disabled or older spouse or family member and this number is rising rapidly.

Many carers provide round the clock care for their loved ones, often without any kind of break, with very little support and hardly any recognition of their plight.

This week we commemorate Carers Rights Day, and I would like to ask your readers to spare a thought for the UK's invisible army of carers.

I work for Vitalise, a charity providing desperately-needed respite breaks for people with disabilities and carers at accessible centres around the UK.

The guests who take breaks with Vitalise often tell us how important a break is in their lives. Just one short week a year really can make the difference between coping and despair.

I would like to ask your readers to remember that carers need breaks just as much as the people they care for, and to support our vital work.

We couldn't do what we do without the generosity of the public and we urgently need your support. If you would like to make a donation to Vitalise, please call 0303 303 0147 or visit http://www.vitalise.org.uk">www.vitalise.org.uk

Colin Brook

(Vitalise)