Bluebell Wood’s weekly charity lottery created a wave of excitement as local resident Debbie Porter scooped the grand prize of £1,000. Debbie only signed up to the lottery seven months ago and couldn’t believe her luck when she received the news.

“I’m absolutely over the moon!" Debbie shared. "I never imagined I’d win, but I’m thrilled to support such a fantastic cause. This win is just the cherry on top!”

The £1,000 win couldn’t have come at a better time for Debbie, who has been undergoing chemotherapy since June after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. "It’s my last round of chemo this week," she shared. "I started playing the lottery around the same time as my treatment began.”

The lottery win has allowed Debbie to plan a much-needed holiday with friends to Scotland, which she is extremely excited for, after not being able to celebrate her 60th birthday due to illness. The trip, set for May, will include a stay in Argyle near Duntrune Castle. "I’m so excited to walk in the woods and watch the beavers that have been released in the area. It’s something to really look forward to and I can do this thanks to winning the Bluebell Wood lottery," she said.

Debbie, who works as an Animal Welfare Manager at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, is passionate about ensuring animals are cared for to the highest standards. Her role involves overseeing every aspect of animal welfare—from eating, sleeping, and temperature regulation to ensuring adequate outdoor cover. "I love my job and animals; it’s a big role, but pushing welfare standards is incredibly rewarding," she said.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has also been a supporter of Bluebell Wood, contributing through initiatives like selling limited-edition charity bottles of Henderson’s Relish and hosting networking events. Debbie’s commitment to both animals and charitable causes reflects her deeply caring nature.

When asked about her experience in signing up to the lottery via a canvasser at Retford Morrisons, Debbie said, "She wasn’t pushy at all. She came across kind and gave me a good feeling, which made me excited to sign up.”

Reflecting on the win, Debbie admitted feeling emotional: "I recently lost a friend and some family this year. Getting this news really lifted my spirits.”

When asked why she supports Bluebell Wood, Debbie explained: "Knowing how rubbish I’ve felt, and realising there are others going through similar challenges, is heartbreaking. I understand how hard it is on families caring for a loved one with an illness. That’s why I’m so passionate about supporting them."

Debbie encourages others to join the lottery:

"When you experience a shock yourself, you realise how precious life is and how important it is to do good and give back. Life is fast and unpredictable - it’s important to do more and help where we can."

During her visit to Bluebell Wood, Debbie was struck by the positive atmosphere. "Coming up the driveway, I thought it would be sad, but it wasn’t at all. The warm greeting at reception and the upbeat vibe made it such a welcoming place. I’ve enjoyed every moment," she said.

Debbie also hopes to do more for Bluebell Wood through volunteering with her workplace, bringing games for the children to enjoy, including artifacts from Yorkshire Wildlife Park, and helping to raise further awareness for the hospice.

Bluebell Wood’s lottery provides a unique opportunity for supporters to contribute to the charity’s mission while having the chance to win fabulous prizes. Tickets start at just £1 each week, and every entry helps make a difference to the lives of the babies, children, young people and families we support.

Samuel Clayton, Lottery Development Officer at Bluebell Wood said, “We are so grateful for Debbie’s support, and I want to say a huge thank you to her for playing our lottery and congratulations on her win.”

If you’d like to join the Bluebell Wood Lottery and be part of helping to support the families we care for, contact [email protected] or visit our lottery page.