Severn Hospice launches annual festive raffle
A Shropshire charity has launched its Christmas raffle and is asking people to support its vital work.
Severn Hospice cares for thousands of people living with incurable illness in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.
Twice a year, the charity holds two special raffles, each with a top prize of £5,000.
Tickets for this year’s Christmas raffle have now gone on sale and can be snapped up at any of its 29 shops, at its hospices in Shrewsbury and Telford or online.
Backing the raffle is Kimberley Langford, a teacher from Oswestry whose partner Dean Prentice passed away almost a year ago.
The 28-year-old was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2018 and received treatment at hospitals in Shrewsbury and Solihull before coming under the care of Severn Hospice.
But during the pandemic, he was told his cancer was terminal and he died on December 1, 2020.
"Severn Hospice supported us at home and in the hospice,” said Kimberley. “They allowed us to use the facilities to make it easier for Dean but also allowed him to have control of what he wanted both at home and in the hospice. They supported Dean and me throughout everything and they continue to offer support to myself.
“Severn Hospice was there for me, and Dean and they will always be needed for someone.
“Please support them, just like they supported us during Dean’s journey. Their work is vital, and their Christmas raffle raises thousands of pounds towards it.”
The charity was badly affected by the pandemic, its fundraising events were cancelled and its shops, which bring in almost £1million each year, were forced to close.
But the care it provides, for free to anyone who needs it, continued.
Karen Swindells, the charity’s lottery manager said: “Despite the pandemic we just couldn’t stop caring and the support we have received over the past 18 months has been outstanding.
“Our Christmas raffle is a win, win for anyone who plays: they are in with the chance of winning the top prize of £5,000 or any one of 42 other cash prizes and they are also supporting a local charity, one that cares for local people.
“It’s so easy to get tickets, either visit our website or go to one of our shops. Every penny counts for us and we hope that this year’s raffle will be as successful as in previous years.”
Profits from the sale of the raffle tickets, which cost £1 each, go directly back into the care provided.
Tickets are on sale until December 10 and the draw takes place on December 17. You must be 16 or over to buy tickets. Go to https://www.severnhospice.org.uk/christmas-raffle/
