This year marks 30 years since the very first weekly draw of Dove House Hospice’s lottery, a milestone made possible by supporters past and present who have helped raise more than £22.5 million for local hospice care.
For three decades, lottery players have helped Dove House Hospice provide expert, compassionate care to local people and their families during some of life’s most difficult moments, helping tens of thousands of people receive specialist nursing, emotional support and the chance to spend precious time with loved ones.
As Dove House reflects on the impact made possible through the lottery, sisters Jane and Lynn have shared their family’s story of the care their dad, Paddy, received at the hospice.
“Our dad, Paddy, lost a lot of weight and started feeling unwell with fatigue, chest problems and shortness of breath,” said Jane and Lynn.
“He thought it was just a chest infection, but after a visit to the clinic he was told it was lung cancer, already quite extensive, and it had also spread to his liver.
“What’s so hard to believe is that he walked into that appointment, and just a few days later he struggled to walk to and from the dining table. He went downhill so quickly, and at the time, we didn’t fully realise what was happening.
“It quickly became clear he didn’t have many days left, and we knew he needed to be somewhere he could be cared for around the clock. That’s when Dad, with the support of us, made the decision to go to Dove House.
“We didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as we walked through the doors, it felt like a weight had been lifted.
“It was like the hospice gave us a hug just when we needed it most. Dad looked so comfortable and we knew he was in the best place to meet his needs.
“The care he received was phenomenal. He was showered, shaved, and dressed in clean, fresh pyjamas, he was given his dignity and pride back.
“One moment that will always stay with us is when Dad’s partner, Kate, came to visit. The hospice team had Dad ready in his bed waiting for her and, as she arrived in her wheelchair, they were both reaching out for each other. It was the sweetest thing to witness.
“The last time we saw our dad smile was at Dove House, and it’s a moment we will always hold onto. Even though he was so poorly, they made him comfortable enough to smile.
“We were all sitting around his bed listening to 80s music after an Alexa had been put in his room so it didn’t feel so quiet while he slept.
“Dad was a lifelong Hull Kingston Rovers supporter and was at Wembley in 1980 to watch Rovers lift the Challenge Cup. Sadly, he was too ill to go to Wembley in 2025, but he watched the final on TV at home and was ecstatic that we had finally won it again. It meant so much to that we were able to arrange for the Challenge Cup to visit him on his final day with us.
“When Dad died, we were with him, and it was such a comfort knowing the nurses were right there beside us. Even after Dad died, the care didn’t stop.
“Watching someone you love fade away is incredibly hard, but knowing Dove House was there meant we didn’t have to panic, we felt supported every step of the way. We are proud that Dad’s journey at the end of his life was as comfortable as it could be, and we will be forever grateful.”
Stories like Paddy’s are just some of the thousands made possible through the support of players of the hospice’s lottery which has a weekly jackpot of £1000, and 80 prizes of £10, a Rollover prize of up to £10,000 and a twice yearly Bonus prize of £5000.
Laura Sadler, Head of Fundraising at Dove House Hospice, said: “Having witnessed our lottery grow from the inside, I’m incredibly proud of what players past and present have made possible.
“Over 30 years, their support has raised more than £22.5 million, helping Dove House provide vital care and support to local people and their families in a way that suits them and their needs.”
As Dove House celebrates this special anniversary, they are thanking everyone who has played for helping provide specialist hospice care in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire and encouraging the community to take part.
