New Year, New wheels for our Big Car Raffle Winner

Christmas has come early for Linda from Dorset, who is driving into the New Year in style thanks to the Big Car Raffle from St Oswald’s Hospice

This year’s winner is Linda, a retired nurse who is originally from the North East, and she first became connected with St Oswald’s Hospice when her twin brother Ron was admitted for end of life care back in 2021.

Linda said, “We were so pleased that Ron was able to move from hospital and come to St Oswald’s Hospice. From the minute he arrived, the staff were absolutely wonderful and it was so comforting to us knowing he was being taken care of in such a special place.”

“Before Ron passed away, he and I made a deal and shook hands on it. He promised that if he could, he would look after me and let me know things were okay. I believe he’s done just that with this fantastic raffle win!”

The Big Car Raffle is a regular fixture on the St Oswald’s calendar with the winning ticket drawn at the popular St Oswald’s Hospice Christmas Market, which this year was held on November 28^th after a 2 year break due to covid-19.

This year’s vehicle was kindly donated by long-standing partner Bristol Street Motors, who provided a Hyundai i10 from their Silverlink branch.

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Bristol Street Motors, said: “St Oswald’s Hospice is a fantastic charity and community asset, which every year provides invaluable support for those receiving end of life care.

“Bristol Street Motors has supported the Hospice for a number of years, and we are looking forward to continuing this brilliant partnership into the future.”

When Linda received the call to let her know the great news about winning the car, she was overcome with a mix of emotions.

“I’d entered online and when I got my tickets, the number on it was our Ron’s birthday,” shared Linda.  “When the ‘phone rang to say I’d won this amazing car, I was overwhelmed! I believe it is Ron’s way of keeping up his end of the promise and that’s special to me.”

On December 19^th, Linda and her husband Mike were welcomed back to St Oswald’s Hospice to be congratulated on their win. Before heading off to collect her star prize, Linda and Mike had the opportunity to meet with some of the staff who had cared for Ron and provided support to Linda and the family during that time.

“The lovely staff at St Oswald’s were so supportive to us as a family. During an incredibly tough time, the nurses and support staff were there all the way through as we got things organised. Whether we were laughing together or crying, they were there with us,” said Linda.

Steph Edusei, Chief Executive of St Oswald’s Hospice, said: “Everyone at St Oswald’s is incredibly happy that Linda has won the car. We grew to know Linda when we were taking care of her late brother Ron.

“We have raised more than £40,000 in this year’s raffle, which will allow us to continue our vital work improving the quality of life for those with a life-limiting illness.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of Bristol Street Motors and people like Linda who bought a raffle ticket, shared the campaign, and donated to us!”

On arriving at Bristol Street Motors, Linda and Mike were taken through to the showroom for the big reveal. Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Bristol Street Motors, handed Linda the keys to her brand new car, ready to hit the road in style.

The Big Car Raffle will return in 2023 for its 30^th year and we’re delighted to share that Bristol Street Motors will be supporting the raffle and the Hospice once again.

From all of us at St Oswald’s Hospice, we’d like to congratulate Linda again on her brilliant win and we wish her and Mike all the very best.