For Lydia, 76, the LOROS Lottery has been part of her life for 30 years. Since 1996, she has not only played the Lottery herself but has also encouraged friends, family and neighbours to join, helping to raise vital funds for the Hospice while bringing a little joy to her local community. As one of our dedicated Lottery collectors, Lydia currently collects entries for two Lottery rounds from 33 local players, as well as selling LOROS scratch cards.
Lydia’s connection with LOROS began when her friend Rose received care at the Hospice before she died. Wanting to give something back in recognition of the care her friend had received, Lydia began fundraising for LOROS by selling copies of a book she had written.
“I wanted to do something to raise money for LOROS after my friend died. I’d written a book called Romance and Healing, which she had read while she was in the Hospice, so I decided to have copies printed and sell them to raise funds.”
It was through her fundraising that Lydia was introduced to the idea of the LOROS Lottery, which was just getting started.
“Someone asked me if I’d be interested in helping to get people to join the new Lottery because I knew lots of people. I didn’t drive back then, so I used to get on my push bike and go around asking friends and neighbours if they’d like to play!
That was back in 1996, and I’ve been playing and collecting ever since. I’ve even still got some of my original players from 30 years ago.”
Today, Lydia collects Lottery entries from 18 players, enjoying the social side of visiting people and getting to know them over the years. But one of her favourite parts of being a collector is being able to share the excitement when someone wins.
“I love collecting because I still get to see people’s faces when they win. It’s lovely to see the joy it brings, especially when it’s someone who really deserves a bit of good luck.
Although Lydia has only ever won smaller prizes of £5 and £10 herself, the chance of winning has never been her main motivation for playing or encouraging others to join.
“It’s all down to luck at the end of the day. When someone doesn’t win, I always say, ‘Thank you for your donation to the Hospice anyway. At least you know you’re supporting LOROS.’
That’s what it’s really about for me. You might win something, which is lovely, but even if you don’t, your money is still helping the Hospice.”
Over the past 30 years, Lydia has seen just how much LOROS means to the people in her community, including many of the Lottery players she visits.
“I’ve spoken to lots of people who play the Lottery and have had experience of LOROS care themselves or through their families. They’re always so grateful for the care they’ve received, and I love being able to support something that means so much to so many people.
Lydia’s own connection with the Hospice has continued throughout her three decades of support. In 2026, the same week she received her long-service award in recognition of her dedication to the LOROS Lottery, another close friend, Roz, died at home after receiving care from LOROS.
“LOROS is in my heart. I know what it’s like to lose someone as I lost my daughter four years ago, and I know how much the care means to patients and their families. It’s a lovely place, and I always speak highly of the care they provide.”
As the LOROS Lottery celebrates its 30th birthday, Lydia is proud to have been part of its journey from the very beginning, helping generations of local people support the Hospice through their weekly entries.
“I’ve been collecting for 30 years now, and I still enjoy it just as much. I love getting to know my players, seeing their faces when they win and knowing that we’re all doing our bit to support LOROS.
If you’re thinking about joining the Lottery, it’s definitely worth doing. You never know when your number might come up, but whether you win or not, you’re helping to support the Hospice, and that’s the most important thing.”
