LADY luck has shone on Okehampton for the third time in six months. The town is fast becoming the place to live — Gwen Laurella has become the third person in under six months to claim the top prize of £1,000 in the Hospiscare Lottery. Gwen's lucky number came up in the draw on January 4 after two winners in two weeks for Okehampton in September last year. Gwen said: 'I didn't believe it at first. It was lovely and couldn't have come at a better time because my washing machine has just died! 'I used to play the Hospiscare Lottery regularly but then let it drift until about three months ago when I started to play again.' Gwen herself has recovered from cancer and the illness has affected a number of her relatives. She used to be a hospice volunteer and is over the moon to have hit the jackpot. She is already looking at new washing machines and hopes to have one within the week. Geoff Stamp, the Hospiscare Lottery manager, said: 'The lucky streak for Okehampton seems to be continuing. 'Everyone who plays helps Hospiscare to provide dedicated care and support to over 2,000 patients and their families every year.' The Hospiscare Lottery raises more than £200,000 every year for Hospiscare. Two of the 30 Hospiscare community nurses are based in Okehampton. They provide care for people with terminal illness, giving specialist nursing care as well as dedicated emotional support. The Hospiscare Lottery is drawn every Friday and costs £1 a week. There are 40 cash prizes with a top prize of £1,000. For ways to play, visit the Hospiscare shop in Okehampton, contact the Hospiscare Lottery on 01392 688025 or see http://www.hospiscare.co.uk">www.hospiscare.co.uk for further details. BELOW: Gwen with shop manager Viv Meaker and lottery manager Geoff Stamp.
