Winning Bluebell Wood’s Seasonal Superdraw has brought a well-deserved change of fortune for Barrie Tarr.

Barrie had a heart attack a few years ago and was treated for bowel cancer in 2012, but he has had some better luck recently after winning the £2,500 top prize in our annual superdraw.

Barrie, who lives in Chesterfield, bought the winning ticket at the Bluebell Wood shop in the town centre when he went to see his wife Lynne, a volunteer there.

Barrie said: “I often pop in to see Lynne when I’m in town and that day there was a friendly competition between her and another colleague to see who could sell the most Superdraw tickets. Lynne’s colleague persuaded me to buy one, then Lynne said why not use a five pound note to buy five. I knew the money was going to a good cause so I thought, why not.”

Like the year-round Bluebell Wood weekly lottery, all proceeds from the Seasonal Superdraw help us to support children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions. People can buy tickets online and at Bluebell Wood shops. The winning ticket for the Seasonal Superdraw is drawn every December.

Barrie said: “When I got the call to say my number had come up and I’d won £2,500, I was dumbfounded. I’ve never won anything like this before, so I was really surprised. The money was with us by Christmas so it couldn’t have come at a better time. We’ve used some of the money to replace our old oven and washing machine.

“I had to stop work some time ago after I had my heart attack. I was also diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012 and went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy. The chemo left my nerves damaged from my knees down, which brings its own set of difficulties. This Superdraw win has really put a smile on my and Lynne’s faces and helped to make our lives a little easier.

“I’d definitely encourage people to buy Bluebell Wood lottery tickets. I never thought I’d win something like this, but now I know it is possible I’ll certainly be buying the weekly tickets in future.”

Kelly Spencer, Lottery Fundraiser, Bluebell Wood: “Congratulations to Barrie. It’s great to hear just how the Superdraw prize can make a difference. Buying a ticket in the Superdraw or our weekly lottery is always worthwhile. The proceeds are used to help families across our region facing the toughest of times, and one lucky person wins £1,000 every single week.”

The weekly Bluebell Wood lottery costs £1 to enter. There are £1,200 worth of prizes won each week including a first prize of £1,000 and £50 and £10 prizes. The draw also gives ticket holders the chance to win a rollover prize of up to £5,200.

To have a chance of winning these prizes, please visit your nearest Bluebell Wood shop or visit our lottery page.