Praise for ‘hard work and dedication’ as Sharlene reaches 18 years as a Nightingale House Hospice lottery collector

A Wrexham woman has been praised for her “hard work and dedication” after 18 years as a Nightingale House Hospice lottery collector.

Sharlene Jones started volunteering for the organisation after her mother died.

Last year the hospice lottery raised over £500,000 towards providing specialist palliative care services for patients and their families.

“I first heard of the hospice lottery from my parents as they both played, so I became a member too,” said Sharlene.

“When my mother died, I was feeling down and wanted to volunteer and do something that would allow me to make a difference. I found out about becoming a lottery collector and eighteen years later, I still love it.

“I love meeting people so it’s the perfect role for me. There are people on my round who I’ve been collecting from since I first started, people that I’ve collected from every month who have become part of my extended family.

“I’ve never been one to sit still. I retired from work the year before lockdown, and when lockdown started and I couldn’t collect, I really missed it. I couldn’t wait to get back out on my bicycle and start collecting again. As well as supporting the hospice, I like to think that I’m also helping the people I see on my round too. They all know me and trust me. For some, it’s just seeing someone and having a chat.

“I have 32 people on my collection round and I’m hoping to grow it to 40 soon. I’d encourage everyone to join the lottery. Nightingale House is such a wonderful place. None of us know when we, or someone we love, might need it. You might also win the jackpot too!”

Tracey Price, Lottery Manager at Nightingale House said: “We are so grateful to Sharlene for all her hard work and dedication over the last eighteen years. Our collectors are such an important part of the Lottery and help us to raise vital funds for the hospice as well as being part of their local community.”

Joining the lottery is one of the easiest ways you can support the hospice. Each week you could be in with a chance of winning the jackpot prize of £2,500. You can join or learn more about the lottery at www.nightingalehouse.co.uk/join-ourlottery/. If you’d like to get involved with the lottery, you can also contact the Lottery Department on 01978 313134 or email [email protected]