A BEQUEST of more than £30,000 will help a care charity start a new project.

Respite group Crossroads Care received the donation from Stuart and Kirsty Ball on behalf of their late parents Duncan and Lesley, from Coleman’s Hatch.

Mr Ball, who died suddenly in his sleep in February aged 69, left the sum to the Brighton-based group after it helped him care for his wife while she had dementia. Mrs Ball died from after a heart attack in 2010 aged 64.

The charity provides interim care and support for people while their carers take a break to run errands, rest and have some time to themselves.

Stuart said: “My sister and I were glad to present the donation. The charity was very supportive and helped my dad take breaks from caring for my mum.

“It was lovely that he thought of them in his will and we hope this will help the charity care for people in the community.”

Anne Feltham, a trustee of the charity, said the “wonderful legacy” would help launch a scheme called Live In Care that will help people continue to live in their homes.

Stuart Ball said a similar figure has been given to the Bluebell Railway.