A retired civil servant from Rotherham shared a big win with friends and family after winning the top prize in Bluebell Wood’s Seasonal Superdraw.

Peter Hughes (81), had an unforgettable Christmas after winning £2,500 in the children’s hospice annual Superdraw.

Peter, who lives in Moorgate in Rotherham, has played Bluebell Wood’s weekly lottery for over a year, and bought his lucky ticket in November after receiving a book of raffle tickets in the post.

All proceeds from Bluebell Wood’s Seasonal Superdraw support children and young adults whose lives are just too short, helping the charity to provide services ranging from end of life treatment and care and counselling to music therapy, short breaks and arts and crafts.

Peter said: “It was such a lovely surprise when I got the phone call from Bluebell Wood to say I’d won a prize in their Seasonal Superdraw – at first I thought I’d have won a small prize, like £10, so when they said I’d won £2,500 I was over the moon. I play a couple of lotteries for a number of charities, and I never thought I’d ever win anything.

“I have 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, so the money came at just the right time for me to buy my family presents this Christmas. I’ve also decided to give something back to the hospice and donate some money towards one of their family fun days. I hope it helps children and families create lots of special memories together.

“For just £1 each, Bluebell Wood lottery tickets are definitely worth buying. You’re helping families across this area and you have the chance of winning a great prize.”

Kelly Gerrard, Lottery Fundraiser, Bluebell Wood: “We’d like to say huge congratulations to Peter for his big win, and we hope it made his Christmas one to remember. By playing our Superdraw, Peter has also helped to support local children and young adults with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions, and their families.”

Although tickets for next year’s Superdraw go on sale next autumn, people can enter the weekly Bluebell Wood lottery now at just £1 per ticket. This has £1,200 of prizes to be 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 enter, by your tickets online at www.bluebellwood.org/play-the-lottery