Local people are being urged to buy a raffle ticket to help raise vital funds to provide care for people living with potentially terminal illnesses.

The St Giles Hospice Christmas Raffle launches this week and the family of a Uttoxeter man, who was cared for at the hospice last Christmas, are asking people to support the raffle to help other families like theirs.

For Jo Challinor St Giles provided invaluable support for not only her dad Terry Clarke but for the rest of the family throughout his illness.

Keen sportsman Terry was diagnosed with bladder cancer in January 2014 and despite extensive treatment the cancer returned and late last year the family were told nothing could be done.

Terry spent the last six weeks of his life at St Giles in Whittington and Jo said she couldn’t thank the hospice staff enough for the support the whole family received.

“Dad felt so comfortable in the hospice – he loved the nurses and they worked hard to keep his pain under control and to keep him comfortable,” she said.

“In his last few days, Dad decided he wanted to go home, even if it was just for a night, and the nurses did everything to help us do that.

“The next day it was obvious that Dad was in a lot of pain so we rushed him back to the hospice and straightaway he relaxed.

“We stayed with him from then on till he died, just a short time before Christmas and the staff did everything they could to help.

“He was our hero and a true fighter till the end and we are so glad we could be there for him.”

Now Jo and her mum Carole and sister Lisa are asking people to help St Giles this Christmas by buying a ticket for the Christmas Raffle, which raises thousands of pounds every year to help families like theirs across the area.

“Buying a ticket is a simple way to help a great cause and I’d urge anyone who can to buy a ticket or five,” said Jo.

“We will never forget the support our family received from St Giles and every pound raised from the raffle goes to support people in the same situation, so please dig deep for a local charity which helps so many local people.”

St Giles Lottery Manager Alison Jerram said “Our raffles are a key part of our fundraising, as well as giving people a chance to win some amazing prizes.

“Our Summer Raffle raised more than £75,000, which helps us support local people living with potentially terminal illnesses.  We hope the Christmas Raffle will raise even more.” she said.

“Raffle packs are being sent out to existing supporters and tickets are also available online at https:/www.stgileshospice.com/raffle as well as at the hospice.

“We’d like to thank everyone who buys a ticket – the amazing support of our local community really makes a difference to the families we care for.”

Top raffle prizes include a car, generously supported by Burton Kia or £8,000 in cash, and a holiday.