A Lucky Win for Wendy

Winning the lottery is always exciting, but when that win also supports a cause close to your heart, it’s even more special. That’s exactly what happened to Wendy, a St Helena employee who recently won the top prize of £1,000 in Your Hospice Lottery.

A Pleasant Surprise

"It was a very pleasant surprise. Very unexpected," Wendy shared. "I joined our lottery when I first came to work at St Helena nine years ago. When I saw the email that said, ‘you’re a winner,’ I thought, ‘That’s nice, I’ve won £10.’ Then I scrolled down and noticed the extra zeros that said I’d won £1,000. When I realised it was real, a big smile just spread across my face. We were having lunch at the time, and I turned to my husband and said, ‘I’ve won £1,000 on the hospice lottery!’ It really made my day!"

Plans for the Winnings

When asked what she planned to spend the money on, Wendy laughed, "My husband’s first response was that we need some heating oil, so that’s half of it gone, but we’d have had to buy that anyway. It’s nice to have the extra bit in the bank to do something with. It will probably go on my three dogs and six grandchildren… and I’ve promised I’ll buy my colleagues at St Helena cakes to celebrate!"

Why St Helena?

Having worked in the charity sector for over 20 years, Wendy is very passionate about her work. "For me, it’s not just about doing a job – I always need to believe in the work I do and be part of an organisation that truly upholds its values. St Helena plays a vital role in supporting local people with life-limiting illnesses, providing essential care when it’s needed most. While we receive some funding, most of what we do depends on the generosity of the local community. I genuinely believe St Helena is a crucial part of the local community, and it’s something I believe in and that everyone should support, no matter how little they can give."

A Personal Connection

As Voluntary Services Manager, Wendy meets many of St Helena’s 900 volunteers, many of whom have personal connections to the hospice. "A significant number of our volunteers choose to give their time after experiencing our care firsthand. It’s always encouraging to hear their stories about why they volunteer. I also have personal friends who have received care from St Helena, which makes my role even more meaningful."

Why Keep Playing?

As a long-time supporter of Your Hospice Lottery, Wendy explains why she continues to play after nine years: "Just knowing that it’s such a simple way to support. You don’t miss £5 out of your bank account once a month. I spend more than that a week on coffee. Because it’s so simple to do, you don’t really enter it thinking about winning. You just know that your £5 is going towards the care of our patients and their families."

A Message to Future Players

Wendy’s advice to anyone considering joining Your Hospice Lottery? "Why wouldn’t you sign up? I don’t see it as playing; I see it as a simple way to give. For anyone who wants to show support but doesn’t have the time or is unable to donate higher amounts, it’s such an easy way to give. Plus, whether you remember or not, you do have the chance of winning something back – and it’s a lovely surprise if you do!"