Helen Stokes signed up to our Hospiscare Lottery in February 2024 after her father, Jeff, died and she has continued playing following our Lottery price change as a thank you for the care her father received.
In October 2024, after more than 20 years of selling our Lottery tickets at just £1, we made the decision to bring our ticket prices up to £2 in line with other charity lotteries around the country. When our Lottery first started in May 2000, a loaf of bread was just 52p and a pint of beer was £2.07. With our charity facing a funding crisis, it was clear that our £1 ticket price no longer stretched as far as it used to.
Helen has witnessed first-hand the impact of Hospiscare’s vital services and chose to share her story to encourage more people to sign up to our Lottery. She explains, “My father, Jeff, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2012, ironically just after he had retired and was looking forward to enjoying his freedom. This is when he had his first contact with Hospiscare and found them to be so helpful.”
Jeff received treatment and fortunately was given the all-clear, but the experience and severity of Jeff’s illness changed him. Instead of looking forward to all of the trips and activities he had planned for his retirement, Jeff found himself facing a depression and emptiness that he could never have expected.
Helen continues, “I suggested volunteering at Hospiscare as a way for my father to find some purpose in his life – it’s a brilliant place, it’s a charity and it’s local.”
Jeff originally applied to be a volunteer driver, a role which involves taking patients to their appointments. Before his start date, Jeff’s passion for photography came to light and he became a volunteer photographer for Hospiscare’s events, including Men’s Walk.
Helen says, “My father went all over the place, photographing the Sunflower Event at Darts Farm, taking pictures at Proms concerts and many more events. He was kept quite busy and really enjoyed it. He also started volunteering at Hospsicare’s warehouse in Marsh Barton, working with the eBay team to research and price relevant donations, which could then be auctioned or sold through the site to maximise their income. He made some good friends among the team and loved going in to help. He also socialised with people he met there, and it meant a lot when someone asked him along to their stag do!”
Sadly, Jeff was diagnosed with cancer on his tongue in 2023. His doctors warned him that this was probably not treatable and that he had just months left to spend with his family and friends. Jeff was referred once again to Hospiscare and later admitted to our ward where he spent his final days. Jeff died on 28 February 2024.
Helen concludes, “So why do I play Hospiscare’s Lottery? Simply because Hospiscare is a great cause – it helped my father in so many more ways than just medical care.
“Hospiscare is facing a tough time right now. It is hugely underfunded compared to other hospices’ both locally and nationally, so I know I will continue to play weekly.
“I play the Lottery to say thank you for the care the hospice gave my father, as well as the friendships and companionship he gained through his time volunteering there. All profits support the work of Hospiscare’s specialist staff, enabling them to continue to care for people like my lovely father, and I want them to look after others like him in the future.”
To support patients like Jeff, sign up to our Hospiscare Lottery today.
