This year marks a significant milestone for Nightingale House Hospice as it celebrates 30 years since the official launch of the Nightingale House Lottery in 1996.
Launched on 26 January 1996, the lottery was created to provide a regular and reliable source of income to support hospice services. Three decades later, it continues to play a crucial role in generating sustainable funding, helping to provide specialist palliative and end of life care for patients and families across the local community.
With only around 20 percent of its funding coming from statutory sources, Nightingale House Hospice relies heavily on fundraising initiatives such as the lottery to continue delivering its wide range of services, including inpatient care, outpatient clinics, the wellbeing programme, complementary therapy, rehabilitation and family support.
Since that first draw in 1996, thousands of loyal players have signed up, each contributing a small weekly amount that collectively makes a lasting impact. Every ticket purchased helps ensure patients facing life limiting and progressive conditions receive compassionate, expert care when they need it most.
One of those loyal supporters is Margot Bebbington, who has been playing the Nightingale House Lottery since the first draw on the 26th April 1996.
Margot said:
“I was a phlebotomist in the Maelor Hospital when I first started playing the lottery. Working in the hospital, we were aware of patients with all sorts of problems and we wanted to support a good cause that helped local people. Nightingale House is a local charity and you can see the real difference it makes to peoples lives. It’s only one pound a week, you don’t really notice it, but it certainly makes a difference, especially when you give regularly rather than as a one off.”
Amanda Kinsey, Lottery Manager at Nightingale House Hospice, said:
“Celebrating 30 years of the Nightingale House Lottery is an incredibly proud moment for us.
“Since its launch on 26 January 1996, the lottery has grown into one of our most important and dependable sources of income.
“It provides vital funds that directly support patient care every single day. What makes it so special is the loyalty of our players.
“Many have supported us for years, knowing that their small weekly contribution helps ensure local families can access specialist care and support free of charge.
“We are so grateful to every single person who plays.”
As the hospice reflects on three decades of lottery support, it is encouraging new players to join and be part of the next chapter. By signing up, supporters are not only in with the chance of winning cash prizes, but are also helping to secure the future of hospice care for generations to come.
To find out more about the Nightingale House Lottery or to sign up, visit bit.ly/SignUp-Lottery
