Spring Summer Raffle Winner

“It’s the first time I’ve won anything ever!”

It was such a genuine pleasure to meet with long-time St Cuthbert’s supporter Eric, to pass on his winning cheque after he scooped first prize in our Spring Summer Raffle. Eric told us when he received the call to say he was a winner, he was stood next to a vase on his windowsill which has five sunflowers in from supporting our Sunflower campaign in memory of his wife Liz.

Eric said: “Liz and I supported St Cuthbert’s Hospice for at least 20 years, never thinking that one of us might need their care one day. Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and underwent a mastectomy. She was a little better after that, until 2019 when it returned. Chemo and radiotherapy followed, and she was under the care of a team at the Freeman. Sadly, she declined rapidly over the Christmas period, and we were lucky to be able to move her to St Cuthbert’s. She died on 10th January 2020.”

“The family were very grateful for the care and compassion given to Liz. Myself and two sons, Simon and Neal, were at the hospice most of the day, everyday. The nurses looked after us all so well. Liz’s room overlooked the rear gardens. It meant such a lot to us at that time. I continue to support the hospice as much as I can. In fact, I donated Liz’s dresses, tops, etc. to sell in the hospice charity shops. I remember the lady receiving them saying they were good quality and would help to raise a lot of money. I often visit the coffee shop, sometimes with family, and l like the cheese scones. I bought two the last time I visited!”

“It’s a real surprise to have won the raffle. It’s the first time I’ve won anything ever!”

We are so grateful to Eric for sharing his story with us. Playing our raffle is a great way to support St Cuthbert’s Hospice. Every penny goes towards helping us to maintain vital services for people in our community with life-limiting illnesses. We run two raffles each year, one in Summer and one in Winter. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of local businesses that sponsor the raffles and provide prizes each year. Thank you to Northumbria Financial Management for sponsoring the Summer raffle.