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.
11th August 2023
Pilgrims Lottery – News Flash
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery rollover is at £9,500
The rollover at Pilgrims Hospices Lottery hasn’t been won again this week and will be worth an incredible life changing £9,500 in next weeks draw Friday 18 August 2023
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.
This year, the much-loved local charity is celebrating its 40th birthday, with a guaranteed prize fund of £4,040 including a first prize of £2,040. All prizes will be sent out to the lucky winners in time for Christmas! They are asking the local community buy a ticket or two to help with continued support for Pilgrims’ end-of-life patients across east Kent.
Shiralee Riddell, Pilgrims Lottery Manager told us: “We recently posted tickets to our Pilgrims Lottery members and supporters, the response so far has been very encouraging.
“We care for people with illnesses that cannot be cured, our services are provided free of charge for our three sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, within our Therapy Centres and in patients’ own homes; our care is also extended to families and carers .”
£25 will pay for an hours’ specialist nursing care in one of our in-patient units.
£15 goes towards mini toiletries for a patient who needs them.
£12 gives a patient staying in one of our hospices a delicious meal on Christmas day.
If you are not on Pilgrims’ regular mailing list and would like some tickets, please:
Shiralee added: “Please do take part; your generous support is greatly appreciated by our patients and their loved ones, and it makes an incredible difference at the most difficult of times. Thank you.”
Please support your local hospice by calling Shiralee for your tickets. In order to make sure tickets are included, counterfoils must be returned by 8 December, the Christmas Draw takes place on 15 December 2022. Over 16s only, full T&Cs are on our website:
Pilgrims Hospices is dedicated to proving skilled and compassionate care, free of charge, to people living with an incurable illness in east Kent. Pilgrims vision is that people with a life-limiting illness are supported and empowered to live well in mind and body, making the most of the time have. They care for thousands of patients and their families each year, at their three inpatients units in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford, their Therapy Centres or in patients’ homes.
