A Derby woman has described feeling "shocked and amazed" after winning a car worth £17,000 - the first prize in a raffle run by Risley-based Treetops Hospice.
Joanne Butler from Alvaston took part in a Summer Raffle and won a 73 plate car donated by a borough based car dealership, to help the end-of-life charity celebrate its 40th anniversary year.
Mum of two, Jo, 53, was in disbelief when she received the call to say she’d won first prize. She said: “I was on holiday in Greece when I received the call and wasn’t sure if it was really genuine! I never imagined that I would be fortunate enough to win. I’m over the moon and still can’t believe how lucky I am to have won. It’s all so surreal.”
Widowed in 2019, Jo explained how her late husband Shaun would have been particularly thrilled with her win, having worked for a car manufacturer for over 18 years. She continued: “In 2003, he had a life-changing accident whilst we were on a family holiday. A fall into the sea resulted in tetraplegia (a condition where you can’t move the upper and lower parts of the body). He became a full-time wheelchair user and relied on 24-hour care at home.
“Whilst Shaun was in hospital following his accident, a nurse said to him, “tetraplegics don’t work”, which gave him the determination to prove her wrong and be able to return to his role of Team Leader at a local factory.
“His employers were absolutely amazing, and Shaun achieved his goal of returning to work until he took early retirement in 2017 because of ill health. I know he would be so pleased that I have won a car!”
Jo was inspired to set up her own care agency which she’s been managing for over 18 years. She said: “We are currently looking after a lady that is receiving end of life care and has the support of Treetops Hospice at Home nurses. They are a truly professional, dedicated, and caring team. The amazing service that they provide is so much appreciated by patients and their loved ones.”
Julie Heath, Treetops Hospice chief executive, said that over £26,000 was raised from the staging of the raffle. Proceeds go towards providing nursing care and emotional support to adults with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved and their families.
Julie said: “We were thrilled to be able to offer people the chance to win such an amazing prize during our 40th birthday year. We’re so grateful for the very generous donation and want to congratulate Jo on her brilliant win!”
Runner up prizes, which were also donated, were £2,000, a pair of tickets to the British GT Championships at Donington Park, and twenty £50 prizes.
A complete list of the winning prize ticket numbers can be found online at www.treetopshospice.org.uk/car-raffle/
For further information about Treetops services visit www.treetops.org.uk or call 0115 949 1264.
This year, Treetops Hospice is celebrating 40 years of caring for people and their families in the local community. During this time, the hospice has supported thousands of patients with end-of-life nursing care and bereavement counselling.