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.
31st March 2025
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery: From small beginnings to over 21,000 entries
1996 saw the beginnings of Pilgrims Hospices Lottery, with an army of volunteers stomping the streets to gain supporters and willing participants to our first ever draw in April 1996.
Nearly 30 years on, and thanks to many of the same early collectors and members, we go from strength to strength. Our draw now has over 21,000 entries every week and continues to grow. It’s a fun and easy way to give and be part of the Pilgrims community, providing regular, sustainable funds to go towards Pilgrims very special services. Did you know that more than 5,500 winners cheques worth over £200k are sent out every year?!
Following the success of the weekly draw, we’re delighted to say that we’ve also been able to add several associated products to our portfolio over the years, which have proven to be very popular. We now offer scratch cards, wedding favours and gift vouchers for any event– including Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries.
Fun facts!
In 2024, our dedicated team of Lottery Collectors walked over 3,000 miles, the Lottery team signed up over 4,000 new entries and we congratulated more than 5,500 lucky winners.
Plus, our ever-popular Christmas Superdraw; 2024 year, with £75,000 brought in. This was our most successful Superdraw in over a decade. Thank you to the thousands of you who took part and made such a difference to so many. It really does mean a lot to us all at Pilgrims, particularly special and appreciated in these challenging times.
As a weekly lottery, we contribute to good news and happy memories. We like to tell and be told good news stories, the joys of winning, the difference a win can make; going towards holidays, celebrations, treats for children and grandchildren alike, creating blissful flashbacks and treasured moments. Our very kind and generous supporters have donated thousands of pounds worth of winnings to Pilgrims Hospices in this last year alone. Thank you so very much, it really does make such a big difference and helps us continue to provide our compassionate care to those who need it the most.
We are still fantastic value at just £1 a week per entry! Join today!
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.
3rd March 2025
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery Superdraw Christmas 2024 raises over £75,000 for hospice care
Pilgrims Hospices is delighted to announce that its Lottery Superdraw Christmas 2024 raised more than £75,000 to support hospice care in the local community.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the 2024 Superdraw has become the most successful in over a decade, with thousands of you taking part.
Dr Pia Amsler
Pia Amsler, Medical Director at Pilgrims Hospices, and some of the patients who received her compassionate care and understanding, were integral to this vital fundraising campaign. Reflecting on its success, Pia said:
“It has been truly heartwarming to see the community come together for such an important cause. Many of our service users shared how much hospice care means to them, and I’m delighted to have been part of this incredible effort to raise funds that will directly impact the lives of so many. Every ticket purchased represents hope, compassion, and the opportunity to help people live well in every moment.”
The funds raised will go a long way in supporting Pilgrims Hospices’ mission to provide high-quality care and services for patients and their families across east Kent. By purchasing a ticket, participants not only contributed to the draw’s success, but also played a vital role in ensuring that Pilgrims can continue to offer its life-affirming care to those who need it most.
Shiralee Riddell, Pilgrims Lottery Manager said:
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who purchased a ticket and helped us achieve this remarkable result. Your generosity means that we can continue to be there for people at the most challenging times of their lives, helping them live well in every moment. This success is a testament to the amazing support we receive from our community.”
As Pilgrims Hospices looks ahead in 2025, the funds raised through this Superdraw will ensure that even more people can benefit from its compassionate care, enabling patients to live as well as possible, despite serious illness, until they die well.
Thank you to everyone who made the Superdraw such an amazing success and helped make a real difference to hospice care in our area.
With big cash prizes to be won each week, you will also be supporting those who need our care and services.
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.
19th September 2024
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery Christmas Superdraw 2024 – Care this Christmas and win big!
As the festive season draws near, Pilgrims Hospices warmly invites you to take part in our Care this Christmas Superdraw 2024 — an exciting opportunity to support compassionate end-of-life care in our community, while standing a chance to win incredible prizes.
By purchasing a ticket, you’re not only helping provide vital care to those facing terminal illness, but you’ll also be entering a draw that could make this holiday season unforgettable for you and your loved ones. With 24 prizes to be won, including £2,000, £750, £500, £250, and 20 x £25 gift vouchers, this could be your chance to treat yourself to that dream holiday or something special for the family.
Shiralee Riddell, Pilgrims Lottery Manager, says:
“Thank you to everyone who has supported our Christmas Superdraw over the years. It’s become a cherished part of Pilgrims’ fundraising activities, raising more than £700,000 in the last decade alone. What an incredible achievement — thank you!”
Tickets cost just £1 each.
By purchasing a book of 12 tickets for £12, you could provide a delicious Christmas meal for someone in our care. And with two books for £24, you’ll help fund an hour of nursing care.
Every ticket purchased truly makes a difference, ensuring we’re here for the next family in need.
Important dates to remember
Superdraw packs will be sent to Pilgrims supporters from Monday 16 September 2024
Tickets will also be available online on this day, simply visit raffleplayer.com/pilgrims to purchase
The closing date for entries is Thursday 5 December 2024
The Superdraw will take place on Thursday 12 December 2024
In addition to cash prizes, we’re offering fast entry prizes for those who act quickly, plus more chances to win with our super seller prizes! Simply return your ticket stubs and payment in the envelope provided to secure your chance to win.
Need extra tickets? Our ticket hotline is ready to help, please call: 01628 511 701
Each £1 ticket sold helps Pilgrims Hospices continue providing compassionate care to local people living with a terminal illness — offering comfort, dignity, and support when it’s needed most. Your generosity enables us to support over 2,500 patients and their loved ones each year. Please help us make this year’s Superdraw the biggest yet!
Why not join our weekly Lottery for just £1 per entry? You could be one of 5,500 lucky winners who receive a cheque from Pilgrims Lottery each year!
Thank you for your ongoing support, and best of luck in the Superdraw!
Let’s make the Care this Christmas Superdraw 2024 a festive season to remember for everyone.
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery – Compassionate care and big wins all year round.
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
27th March 2023
Bouncing into spring with Pilgrims Lottery
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery raises vital funds for hospice services each year. It offers a fun and simple way to help Pilgrims support local people who are living with an incurable illness.
Shiralee Riddell, Lottery Manager, shares news and updates from the Lottery team and explains how our Lottery members make a difference.
Spring has definitely sprung, and I’m sure we are all looking forward to the longer, lighter days ahead and enjoying the sights and sounds that spring brings.
It has been another busy year for the Pilgrims Hospices Lottery team and we are on target to raise an incredible £1.2m thanks to your amazing and unwavering generosity and support. Thank you!
We’ve sent out winners cheques to over 5,500 lucky people in our local community this last year, and amongst the many winners we’ve seen a £15k rollover winner!
Our 40th celebratory draw raised nearly £57,000 and we’ve sold 969scratch cards. You’ve surprised 131wedding guests with Pilgrims Hospices Lottery wedding favours and gift vouchers, and 147 lucky loved ones received our Christmas gift vouchers. 1,347 of you have taken out additional entries or joined since April 2022. This is amazing, and all the more impressive in these increasingly difficult times; thank you.
It’s a real privilege for us to know that we are a part of your lives, celebrations and festivities. Your support makes such a difference to the lives of many people in the local community; your friends, neighbours, relatives and loved ones could all benefit from the vital services our wonderful care teams are able to provide because of your kindness.
Did you know that…
A year’s Lottery membership could pay for a one-to-one bereavement counselling session
The purchase of a book of 40th celebratory draw tickets helped pay for an in-patient’s meals for a day
Christmas gift vouchers bought for loved ones helped provide over 200 pamper sessions for our patients
How do we raise such a fabulous amount of money – over £1 million every year?! We think one reason could be that whilst many charity lotteries have increased their entry cost, we’ve retained many of our loyal supporters (some joined in 1996, the year Pilgrims Hospices Lottery began) by choosing to keep our weekly entry cost to just £1. You’re then able to choose how much you would like to give. You can have more than one entry into our weekly draw, which is great news for you as you can increase your chances of winning, and even better news for us as we raise even more funds to help provide our compassionate care. A real win win!
If you aren’t already a member of our weekly Lottery draw, you can join using your preferred payment method; join online or call our friendly team on 01227 379 741. You’ll receive confirmation and your membership numbers in the post. As soon as your payment is received, you’re in the draw and will continue to be all the time funds are in your Lottery account.
There are 106 guaranteed weekly prizes plus a rollover, which has to be won at £20k. You’ve got to be in it to win it! From then on, just sit back and wait for your winning cheques to be mailed out you, no need to claim – but if you would like to check, the winning numbers are available on our website every week.
To buy our scratch cards, simply go into your local Pilgrims charity shop or Pilgrims Hospice and they are available to buy at the till. You could win £1,000!
For gift vouchers and wedding favours, simply call us on 01227 379 741 or click here, where you will also find full T&Cs and additional information.
Don’t forget, you can join or take out additional entries online, too.
You must be 16 years of age or older.
If you’d like any more information, email [email protected]; we look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes and thank you again for all of your support.
We couldn’t do it without you!
Shiralee
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery Manager
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.
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.
