Overgate’s Christmas Raffle winner donates half their prize back to the hospice

This was a Christmas like no other for the Hospice, and as they were unable to get their tickets into the community as they have in previous years, they worried what impact this would have on one of their biggest campaigns.

Thankfully, the community came together to rally behind them once again, and raised an incredible amount.

Three lucky winners received early Christmas presents of a £1.000 grand prize, a fabulous alcohol hamper and a luxury food hamper, respectively.

The winner of the £1,000 grand prize, Brenda Waddington, has generously chosen to donate half of it back to the Hospice.

She said: “My husband Bob was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2019. We were fortunate that we could look after Bob at home, and when he was offered day care at Overgate Hospice.

“I have to admit that Bob wasn’t keen at first. I think he assumed the hospice would be a sad place. After a little thought, he decided to try a day out, and the experience completely changed his mind.

“Although he was very ill by this time, he enjoyed the few times he could visit Overgate, and really looked forward to his visits. He brought his watercolour paints with him, and painted for the first time in many years.

“It became a personal challenge to get to Overgate each week, and this was very difficult for him, but he persevered until it was no longer possible.

“We have given to Overgate for some time, and still do, in both our names. It made a great deal of difference to his quality of life in those weeks he attended.

“Both I, and our son Richard, appreciated the real, positive difference they made at such a difficult time. I would like to thank all the staff at Overgate for everything they did for our family.”