TOMORROW will see the launch of Prospect Hospice’s Lottery Week which will mark the 15th anniversary of one of the charity’s largest on-going fundraisers.

Each week some 8,000 residents from Swindon and Wiltshire enter the Prospect lottery for a chance to win a £1,000 cash prize.

Yet many in the region still know very little about the hospice’s second-longest running campaign - an initiative which secures the organisation £400,000 annually towards end-of-life care.

“The lottery has been running for 15 years and we are having a lottery week to celebrate the fact that it is 15 years old,” said Neil Harman, fundraising development manager at Prospect. “It runs every week but a lot of people still don’t know that it’s there. It’s £1 a week to play and we ask people to sign up to a direct debit.

“67p of every pound goes back to the cause and last year it raised £400,000. It is quite a significant chunk of the overall funds we need to raise and it’s growing and becoming more popular.

“It is one of our key income streams but it’s also a fun way for people to support us and it’s sustainable for most people.”

Prospect Hospice needs to raise more than £4.3 million each year towards its running costs.

Those who miss out on the big cash prize every Friday still have the opportunity to win £100, £50, £25 or £10.

“It is tough times out there and everything people do for us is appreciated,” added Neil.

“I think £1 a week falls under the radar and it’s a light-hearted way to support us and ensure the care continues.”

The Wroughton charity is hoping hundreds of new participants will enter the draw to mark the initiative’s anniversary by the end of Lottery Week on April 5.

Unlike most fundraisers, lucky residents each week reap some enviable financial rewards for their generosity.

“We have a winner every Friday and one of the most fun parts of the job is calling the winner,” said Neil. “Some people are gobsmacked, some think it’s a wind up and some people get emotional. £1 a week is not a life-changing amount of money but it is for our patients and £1,000 is always welcome.”

To enter the Prospect Lottery go on www.prospect-hospice.net/ Supporter/Lottery