Sponsored Editorial

Back in 2010, the Heart of Kent Hospice launched its weekly lottery - and since then it has generated more than £2 million and created thousands of winners.

Many of the lottery players that joined 11 years ago are still playing today and joining is one of the easiest ways you can do to support the Hospice.

Each week you could be in with a chance of winning the jackpot prize of £1000. There are 22 prizes up for grabs as well as a fantastic rollover prize of up to £10,000*.

One original Heart of Kent Hospice weekly lottery member and winner explains why he still plays: “I choose to support Heart of Kent Hospice because of the vital work they do, which any of us in the community may need to call on at some point.

"The Hospice cared for a very dear friend of mine who received the most wonderful care. It is such a positive place which made such a difference to the last weeks of their life. The win I have to admit was very nice too but it’s knowing how Heart of Kent Hospice is so important to so many people that we have continued to play for so many years.”

The Hospice helps and supports anyone in the community living with a terminal illness, ensuring patients and the people closest to them receive specialist compassionate care, so they can live in comfort, with independence and dignity.

It’s important for people to know that the Hospice is not a scary or sad place. Its personalised care and support improves and enhances comfort, health and happiness for people nearing the end of their lives. The Hospice is a place where memories are made and where many people return to remember their loved ones.

Thirty years ago, it opened its doors as an independent charity, providing free care to patients and their families living in Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge and Malling and the surrounding villages.

Every year around 80% of costs need to be raised, with fundraising, donations and volunteers vital to making sure it can continue to make a difference at one of the most difficult times in people’s lives.

Cheri Strudwick, head of supporter development, said:“ Our own weekly lottery has been a way of generating a regular and reliable income helping us to fund the care and support we provide in our local community. We want to build the lottery to ensure that we can continue to care for more patients and their families for the next 30 years ahead, but this requires new members. ”

If you would like to join the Hospice lottery, you need be over 18 to play or claim a prize. To enter click here.

She added: "We would like to send a big thank you to all our lottery players who support the Hospice every week.

"Thank you for being part of something amazing."

* How the rollover works: unsold numbers are added to the draw for the rollover prize each week. This prize is won if a sold number is picked or rolled over if an unsold number is drawn. If unsold numbers are continuously picked, the rollover could build up to an incredible £10,000.

There are many ways to show your support during the 30th anniversary year:

Donate: To make a donation visit hokh.org or call 01622 790195 or text CARE 5 to 70560 to donate £5. Text cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

Share your memories and experiences: From a story, to a picture, or a video, share them during the special year. Perhaps you or a loved one received care; have given the gift of time as a volunteer, or taken part in a fundraising event: email marketing@hokh.co.uk

Take part in fundraising activities: Keep up to date with the fundraising events page. Visit hokh.org and see social media.

If you or someone close to you needs the Hospice's support, see the range of services at hokh.org or call 01622 792200.

* Heart of Kent Hospice Promotion Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Heart of Kent Hospice, registered charity number 298164 (RCN: 298164) .Heart of Kent Hospice Promotions Ltd is licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the Gambling Commission under account number 004711. The lottery exists for the sole purpose of raising funds to support our work, and all profits from the lottery are donated directly to Heart of Kent Hospice.