Barry and Mitzi Smith have won £2,000 through playing the Moya Cole Hospice lottery. The couple, who have been playing since the late 1990s, were delighted by their unexpected win.
Long-Time Supporters Win Big
The Smiths first signed up for the lottery when a representative from the hospice called at their home in the late 1990s. Mitzi explained their motivation: "We signed up because it was our way of supporting the hospice. I never expected to win anything; we never win anything."
The win came as a complete surprise. Mitzi recalled: "Earlier this year Moya Cole Hospice sent us a letter and I assumed it was them sending us general communication. Barry opened the letter and told me that we won the lottery. We were absolutely thrilled."
Plans for the Prize Money
Barry and Mitzi have not yet decided how to spend their winnings, but they own a house in County Mayo, Ireland that, in Mitzi's words, "could do with some TLC".
The Moya Cole Hospice Lottery costs £2 per week for one play, which amounts to an £8.68 monthly direct debit. The extra 68p paid each month accumulates to cover additional draws in five-week months.
How the Lottery Works
Every week, 35 lucky winners share in the prizes, including a weekly £2,000 jackpot. There is also a rollover prize that starts at £1,000 and can reach up to £10,000.
Entry deadlines vary by payment method: tickets bought from hospice site receptions or shops must be purchased by 5pm on Wednesday, while telephone or mail entries must be received by 5pm on Thursday. The lottery draw takes place every Friday afternoon.
By joining the lottery, participants make a continuous difference to the lives of patients and their families, according to the hospice.
About Moya Cole Hospice
Moya Cole Hospice provides holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, including inpatient care, day therapy and supportive outpatient services. The hospice operates from sites in Heald Green, Stockport and Little Hulton, Salford.
Its teams also offer community and outreach services, including Hospice at Home in Salford and Trafford, a Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford, and a homelessness palliative care service in Manchester. A 24-hour telephone advice line is available to patients, carers and healthcare professionals in Salford, Manchester, Trafford and Stockport.
