50 National Lottery winners put on a ball for Blackpool's Trinity patients and carers
Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom was transformed into a winter wonderland by a team of lottery winners for staff and patients from a Blackpool hospice.
With a combined wealth of more than £115m, the 50 National Lottery winners became Santa’s little helpers yesterday when they arranged a festive afternoon tea and ballroom dancing masterclass for 200 patients and carers from Trinity Hospice.
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Hide AdFor many of them, dancing on the world famous ballroom floor is on their dream wish list.
Andrew Cunliffe, 41, from South Shore, won £1m on a scratchcard in February 2016, and was one of the winners who helped to arrange the afternoon.
He said: “The hospice is a place which is very close to the hearts of both myself and my wife, Natalie. It has been wonderful to see so many smiles on faces and everyone having such a wonderful afternoon.
“I have loved today so much and hopefully we have all helped to create memories which will last a lifetime for all of these people.”
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Hide AdThe guests were served tea and cakes and had a visit from Father Christmas. The Tower’s famous mighty Wurlitzer organ played throughout the afternoon as the guests learned dance moves.
Yvonne Richardson, who receives day care at Trinity Hospice, said: “It has been the most amazing afternoon. Being among all the dancing on the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom floor has been better than I could have ever imagined.
“I cannot thank the National Lottery winners enough for everything they have done. This afternoon has really been a dream come true for me and is a day I will never forget.”
The hospice provides respite and end of life care for patients with life limiting and life-threatening conditions. It supports more than 500 patients and their families.