Somerset charity to benefit from £3,000 jackpot (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Somerset charity to benefit from £3,000 jackpot

8:00pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in News

A WOMAN has used a £3,000 jackpot she won from a charity prize draw to buy an electric bike six years after she was forced to give up her hobby through injury.

Heather Venn, 53, from Stoke St Gregory, has been unable to cycle after sustaining a leg injury in an accident in 2006 and is delighted that her winnings from St Margaret's Hospice draw have allowed her to pursue her much-loved hobby again.

After treating her family during the festive period with part of her winnings, she decided to spend £1,600 on buying an electric bike from The Bicycle Chain in Taunton.

Mrs Venn said: “I have supported the hospice movement since my 20s because the work they do is tremendous.

“I decided to join the weekly prize draw after the Bishops Hull hospice looked after a relative before she passed away, but I never expected to win!

“The new bike is amazing - you just can't imagine the freedom it has given back to me, as I can't walk very well. I am thrilled.

“The whole experience has been brilliant - I have nothing but praise for Paul Kenchington and his staff from The Bicycle Chain.”

The draw raised more than £26,500 for the charity, which aims to improve the quality of life of people suffering with serious illnesses.