Supporter urges support for local hospice that helped her husband

A supporter of St Barnabas Hospice is urging others to help out as the charity launches its Summer Raffle.

Helen, whose husband, Chris, sadly died last year, wants others to help after she saw what amazing work the Hospice does.

Helen said: “Chris spent his final days at the Hospice – and despite the awfulness of the situation, we were very lucky. Chris went into the Hospice just before we all started lockdown and, thankfully, it meant we could be there with him. 

“Everyone at the Hospice looked after us with such compassion. The nurses always knew what we needed – and it was just the little things, a cup of tea and a biscuit, the room so bright and airy and we had enough space for the grandchildren to visit – that touched my heart.

“About two weeks after Chris had passed away, I remember the phone ringing. It was someone from the Hospice – but they weren’t calling to check in; instead, they told me I’d won the top cash prize of £7,000! It was such a surprise! I think if Chris were here, we would have spent a bit of it on travelling. He would have been the first to say, ‘Go and have an adventure!’. When I get the courage to head off on my own, it might be what I do.

“Now I’m sharing a bit of my good luck with you – please join me in playing this year’s Summer Raffle!”

Backed by supporters and the families of those who have used the Hospice’s services over the years, the team at St Barnabas is hoping to raise thousands with ticket sales, which goes directly to fund their range of services, extending far beyond palliative care.

Holly Eyre, Fundraising Development Manager for Lottery and Individual Giving said: “After the success of our previous Spring Raffle, we wanted to bring it back for the Summer. We always get a great response from our supporters and in a period where life has been particularly hard for the Hospice, these regular cash injections really make all the difference. 

“The Hospice exists purely on donations, so every penny counts when it comes to providing the essential services and care we offer. Demand on our services has gone up over the past year and so we are grateful for every bit of help. The raffle offers a great chance to win some cash too, so good luck to all that enter!”

Tickets need to be purchased by Friday 27th August to be in with a chance of bagging the top prize. Winners will be drawn on Thursday 2nd September.

To order tickets, visit  www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/summerraffle