Hospice cash lottery celebrates birthday (From Brentwood Weekly News)
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Hospice cash lottery celebrates birthday
7:30am Monday 17th September 2012 in News
PLAYERS of a special charity lottery will have two chances of winning the top prize of £1,000 in an anniversary draw.
St Francis Hospice is celebrating its lottery competition’s first anniversary next month by giving people extra opportunities to take home the game’s biggest prize, with its draw on October 19.
The Havering-based hospice, which helps adult patients in Brentwood, launched the game last year which costs £1 a week to play to help raise funds for the charity.
In the first year, £200,000 has been raised, setting the organisation on course to reach its target of £1million in four years.
Each week 12 cash pots can be won with the biggest prize being £1,000, £500 for second place and ten £10 notes up for grab.
Hospice marketing manager Esther Wakeman said cash earned through people playing the lottery can really help the patients served by the charity.
She said: “Being diagnosed with a life-limiting illness can be frightening and may mean ongoing complex medical treatment and time away from loved ones.
“Joining our lottery is an easy way to contribute to our work and just £1 a week can make a real difference to patients and relatives as over a year it could pay for an hour’s nursing care.”
Paula Henderson, a physiotherapist at St Francis, said her first-hand experience of helping patients makes her believe the money raised through the lottery is worthwhile.
Ms Henderson said: “I hope I offer some comfort and reassurance to patients and their relatives so that if they are admitted to day hospice or our inpatient unit they are less anxious.
“I am often told by patients and carers that we make a difference to their quality of life with the support and care we offer, so the money our generous supporters donate via the lottery is vital for our specialist services to continue.”
People can still enter the lottery by calling 01708 771433 or by visiting www.sfh. org.uk
