A long-term CancerCare supporter and former client who has played the lottery for 16 years was the lucky winner of CancerCare’s most recent Summer Super Draw.
Joanne Winder from Lancaster sought out CancerCare’s services in 2008 after her mum died from bowel cancer.
“Mum was cared for at St John’s Hospice, who suggested I approach CancerCare following her passing for some support,” said Joanne.
Initially, Joanne benefited from a course of massage therapy before receiving bereavement counselling sessions.
“The massage really helped me to relax, escape for a while and deal with things,” Joanne continued. “My massage therapist suggested I consider some bereavement counselling, which I decided to do. My counsellor was fantastic, and I will never forget him or the help he gave me with my mental health.”
Joanne’s daughter also participated in sessions with a play therapist to aid her through the grief of losing her grandmother, and Joanne’s dad joined CancerCare’s woodworking group for a time.
“Dad made a memory box with Mum’s name on it. He’s still got it on the sideboard in the dining room. It was so nice that he could make something to bring home and keep forever.”
Joanne began playing the lottery in 2008 and in 2010 she took home £10 in winnings. Joanne decided to play the lottery as a way of giving back to CancerCare for the support her family received:
“It’s an amount that comes out of my bank account each month, but I usually forget about it as it’s so small,” she said. “I began with one number but soon increased it to two. I would encourage anyone to play and support CancerCare, who really do help people in the local community with the number of services they provide. Without the funding, they won’t be able to continue to help families like mine. I wouldn’t have been able to cope without the support and I have first-hand experience of the amazing work they do.”
Joanne was contacted directly by our Head of Fundraising Claire Mason and she popped into the Slynedales centre to receive her prizes; a cheque for £500 and an M&S hamper.
“I’ve never won anything like this in my life; I’ve very grateful,” Joanne said.
If you would like to join the CancerCare lottery for as little as £1 per week please click here