Ilona Hepburn, from Egerton in Bolton, has won a life-changing £10,000 jackpot after signing up to a charity lottery for just £1 a week. The mother-of-three wanted to support Derian House Children's Hospice, which cared for her late sister, Heather Rodgers. Heather, a music therapist at the hospice, died from cancer at the age of 33.
Ilona received a surprise phone call on Tuesday, July 14, informing her of the rollover top prize. She plans to use the winnings to buy a dream cello for her 20-year-old daughter Lucy, a talented cellist studying at the Royal College of Music in London, and to pay for a family holiday.
Emotional Connection to the Hospice
Ilona began supporting Derian House because of her sister. She said: “Winning this money has just been the most amazing gift. You have no idea how much this is going to help us.” She continued: “When we got the call I looked at my daughter Lucy and I said I feel like this is aunty Heather watching over us.” The family had been struggling to afford the high-quality instrument Lucy needs for her studies.
How the Lottery Works
The Derian House Lottery costs £1 a week and raises vital funds to care for more than 400 babies, children and young people. Every entry gives players a chance to win one of 41 weekly prizes, ranging from £1,000 to the £10,000 rollover. Deputy chief executive Caroline Taylor called Ilona with the good news.
Caroline commented: “When Ilona told us about her sister Heather and why she'd signed up to the lottery, it really moved us all.” She added: “Hearing how the money will help Lucy buy the cello she's always dreamed of and give the family the chance to enjoy a holiday together made it even more special.”
