A Worcester Community Lottery participant has won a £2,000 cash prize - while also supporting the work of an important service in the city.
Andrew Bews-Pugh is the latest winner of the weekly community lottery, which is supported by Worcester City Council.
Tickets cost just £1, with 50p going directly to a good cause chosen by the participant and a further 10p supporting other local organisations.
Players have a one-in-50 chance of winning each week, with prizes of up to £25,000 on offer. You can sign up here.
Mr Bews-Pugh supports the West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) through his ticket purchases – with one of those tickets winning him the £2,000 cash prize.
He said: “I chose to support WMRSASC because of the important work that they do in the community. They provide invaluable support to people who really need it.
“I heard about the lottery from my friend who has worked for the charity for a number of years.
“It was amazing to win, I've never won this kind of money ever. Rather boringly I've put some money into savings and the rest just helped to balance the books post-Christmas. I did treat myself to a new knife (I'm a chef).
“I've played the lottery for five years now, so I've contributed quite a bit to charity whilst also feeling like I'm getting something out of it.”
Helen Creese, Head of Marketing, Fundraising and Stakeholder Management at West Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) added: “The Worcester Community Lottery is a brilliant way for local people to support local causes.
“By supporting WMRSASC, Andrew Bews-Pugh – and other players – are helping fund both vital support services for survivors and our early intervention and prevention work. This kind of fundraising enables us to build safer, more informed communities and create long-term change.”
Councillor Katie Collier, Vice Chair of Worcester City Council’s Communities Committee said: “It’s fantastic to see residents like Andrew benefitting from the Worcester Community Lottery, while also helping to fund vital local services.
“Every ticket purchased makes a real difference to organisations doing incredible work in our city, such as WMRSASC.
“We’re delighted to support the scheme which strengthens and sustains the vital services our communities rely on. You can find out more about Worcester Community Lottery at www.worcesterlottery.org”
