The St Giles Hospice Lottery has once again hit the £1 million pound mark, with every penny going towards caring for local people with cancer and other serious illnesses.

In the last financial year which ended in March the weekly draw collected more than £1,004,000 – a small increase on last year’s total, meaning that for the fifth year running the lottery has raised over £1 million for the hospice.

Richard Simmonite, St Giles Hospice Promotions Manager, said: “This is a tremendous result and is all thanks to the generosity and loyalty of our players across the region.

“We’re grateful to all those who take part and urge them to keep it up. With projects such as the new hospice in Sutton Coldfield and the extension to our Whittington hospice, St Giles still desperately needs every penny we raise.”

Taking part in the St Giles Hospice Lottery costs £1 per week and as well as the chance to win over £3,000 in prizes – including the £2,000 jackpot – there are other great reasons for playing.

“Each player receives a Discount Card which they can use at over 100 local shops and businesses – and those who pay annually or by standing order also receive a free limited edition teddy bear.

“With every single penny of the proceeds going to support St Giles’ vital work, players always know where their money is going.”

New players can join by calling 0845 370 6580 or visiting www.stgileshospice.com/lottery.

St Giles Hospice is one of the best-known and most respected charities in the region, offering high-quality nursing and medical care for people with cancer and other serious illness, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

Patients come from across the hospice’s catchment area, which ranges from Ashby de la Zouch and Atherstone in the east, to Cannock and Walsall in the west – and from Burton and Uttoxeter in the north, to Sutton Coldfield and Coleshill in the south.

Care is offered at the hospice's facilities in Sutton Coldfield and Whittington between Lichfield and Tamworth, or in patients' own homes across the region.

The range of high-quality, specialist services are expensive to provide, and the hospice relies heavily on donations and fundraising – including proceeds from the St Giles Hospice Lottery and network of 14 charity shops.