Francis House Children's Hospice has unveiled its first-ever weekly lottery, creating a new avenue for community support while offering participants the chance to win substantial cash prizes. For just £1 per week, individuals can contribute to the hospice's crucial work while entering draws for rewards including a £25,000 jackpot.
Direct Support for Vital Services
A minimum of 50p from every £1 entry goes directly toward funding the hospice's operations. This regular income stream supports comprehensive care for seriously ill children and young people, along with essential assistance for their families, including parents, siblings, and carers.
Joanne Burnett, fundraising officer at Francis House, emphasized the importance of reliable funding: "Regular and reliable income makes a significant difference to Francis House and enables the hospice to continue developing and operating its much-needed services."
Personal Connection to the Cause
Burnett shared a personal perspective on the hospice's impact: "On a personal note, the hospice means so much to me. My niece Devon, who has Menke-Hennekam Syndrome-1, is a regular visitor. Francis House provides a home from home, giving her parents vital respite. The care and compassion of the hospice team makes an immeasurable difference to our family."
Extensive Community Support
Francis House currently supports more than 435 families throughout Greater Manchester, offering holistic care in a comfortable, home-like environment for children and young adults with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Beyond respite care, the hospice teams provide homecare and community support services.
The total annual running cost of Francis House reaches £5.8 million, with the majority of this funding coming from voluntary donations and community support initiatives.
How the Lottery Works
The Francis House Weekly Lottery is open to UK residents aged 18 and over. Participants can easily enter online, with each player receiving a unique six-digit number. Additional entries can be purchased for increased winning opportunities.
Draws occur every Friday, providing regular chances for participants to win prizes. To win, three or more digits must match the winning number sequence in the correct positions.
Prize Structure and Impact
Prizes are awarded based on how many digits match the winning number in the proper sequence position. Matching all six digits secures the £25,000 jackpot, while five matches earn £1,000. Four matching digits win £25, and three matches reward participants with five free entries into the subsequent draw.
Joanne Burnett highlighted the broader significance of participation: "By taking part, you're helping families live life as fully as possible during challenging times. Sign up today, be part of something truly meaningful and good luck!"
The Francis House Children's Hospice Weekly Lottery operates under license from Manchester City Council and is managed by Unity, ensuring proper oversight and administration of the fundraising initiative.
