Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce Mary Archer from Whitstable as the latest winner of its Pilgrims Hospices Lottery rollover, taking home a fantastic prize of £20,000.
Mary’s win came as a joyful surprise on her birthday, adding a much-needed boost during a challenging time. Recently diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer, Mary is undergoing treatment and awaits further test results.
Despite her health battle, she remains positive and grateful:
“I was bowled over by the news of my £20,000 win. It has come at a really helpful time, and I so appreciate it.”
Mary’s connection to Pilgrims Hospices is deeply personal. Her late mother, Pamela, was a dedicated hospice volunteer for many years.
Inspired by this legacy, Mary has supported Pilgrims Hospices and joined the Pilgrims Hospices Lottery and now, with this significant win, she hopes to use the funds to support her health journey and future plans.
Invasive lobular breast cancer, the type Mary is fighting, can be difficult to detect through routine screening and affects approximately 15% of breast cancer patients. Mary hopes her story will raise awareness about this ‘sneaky’ form of cancer and encourage women to be vigilant about subtle changes in their bodies.
Pilgrims Hospices would like to congratulate Mary on her win, and thank all Lottery participants whose support helps fund vital hospice care services across east Kent.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
25th July 2022
Lottery member Lynette gives back to Pilgrims Hospices
Lynette Young from Chartfields in the Kingsnorth area of Ashford is a long-time supporter of Pilgrims Hospices; she has played the charity’s Lottery for 10 years and taken part in several fundraising events, raising more than £2,000 for local hospice care.
Having seen close friends benefit from Pilgrims’ vital services, Lynette is inspired to give back and support the local hospice charity however she can.
Lynette during her 55km walk on the Pilgrims Way Challenge
She said: “Pilgrims is such a great place, and you never know who might need it. Two very close friends have had loved ones pass away at the Ashford hospice – in 2017, and just this year in January 2022. I know everyone there is fabulous, warm and caring, and I truly believe you never know what is around the corner. It is a great local charity here in east Kent.”
Lynette joined Pilgrims Hospices Lotteryafter the charity gave a talk at her workplace. She has been a lucky Lottery winner and inspired friends to join, too. She gave some of her winnings to her eldest daughter and her boyfriend to put towards their first home, and is saving the rest to do something special with her family.
Lynette has also raised money for Pilgrims through taking part in events, including night-time walks and the Pilgrims Way Challenge.
She continued: “I’m incredibly lucky to have supportive family and friends. When I share my fundraising on Facebook, so many amazing people donate – I can only put this down to them knowing how much I try to support Pilgrims and also that I love a challenge!
“I’m a true believer in supporting local and as a local charity, Pilgrims is close to my heart. They really are brilliant. I know the money I raise will help to keep hospice services running.”
Shiralee Riddell, Lottery Manager, said: “Thank you for your continued kind support of the work of Pilgrims Hospices, Lynette; you really do make a difference to so many local people.”
Fancy trying your luck with Pilgrims Hospices Lottery?
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
1st May 2020
Peggy shares lucky Pilgrims lottery win with colleagues
Peggy Wright, Pilgrims Hospices Physiotherapy Assistant was the lucky winner of a £2,000 first prize in the weekly Pilgrims Lottery draw early this month. She was keen to share her good fortune with Pilgrims colleagues at the Ashford hospice.
“I was absolutely delighted when the Lottery team called to tell me I had won. I’ve been a Lottery player for some time and it’s amazing to be a big winner!” said Peggy.
“It was a great surprise, and to share some of my joy with the team was one of my first thoughts.” She added.
Peggy provided a selection of treats and goodies for everyone at the Ashford site where she works supporting patients with therapy sessions to improve mobility, quality of life and wellbeing.
Peggy added: “I would encourage anyone to join Pilgrims Lottery, for just £1 per week; you are supporting the most amazing care within our local community. You will truly be helping to make a difference for people who need end of life care.
“I’m working from home currently and miss my colleagues very much. I hope my little treats will help them to keep smiling and do what they do best; looking after our patients and each other. Take care and stay safe.”
You can sign up and play Pilgrims Lottery on the website, for just £1 per week: click here to find out more. It’s a fun way to support vital work, with a chance to win big cash prizes. Every Lottery player is helping to raise enough money for Pilgrims to continue their brilliant care services.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,400 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
