The winning number Is there a better feeling than being the owner of a winning number? Anne-Marie, who plays make a smile lottery to support Blesma, wouldn't think so. As she was astounded to find out that she was the lucky £250 winner. Shout it from the rooftops In fact, she was so pleased when she found out the news that she sent a letter to the make a smile lottery team explaining just how happy she was. "I just wanted to say a great big thank you for the cheque you sent me. Well, you put a BIG smile on my face and I am truly grateful and really do appreciate it." Making smiles Here at make a smile lottery we just love making smiles. So, when we hear from our lucky winners, the team just beam from ear to ear. There is something special about doing your bit and giving something back. Then being rewarded for your kindness in return. Tell us your story! If you are one of our lucky winners, we would love to hear from you! Send us an email at hello@makeasmilelottery.org.uk with details of your win, how you felt and what you are spending your prize fund on. Congratulations for being one of our lucky winners!
A Day Out of the Office On 28th April, Blesma Member Nik Eley joined Blesma staff on an outing to the St Helena's Hospice gardens in Colchester. The day was organised in order to take some new images for Blesma and make a smile, which has so far raised over £237,000 for Blesma through the lottery plays. The trip was an opportunity for the make a smile lottery staff to hear how the funds they raise make a difference, directly from a Blesma Member. Nik's story “I did rather well in the army. I came out relatively unscathed, and had rather a successful career until 2018.” Nik told the group. “Then I found that an injury that I had not thought about while in the forces had developed into ankylosing spondylosis and my leg was useless. I was referred to several doctors, and eventually the decision was taken by me to amputate because it was dragging me along and causing me a lot of pain.” Nik then recounted how Blesma have helped him since then. “Since that's happened, Blesma have been absolutely fantastic, not only have they helped me with my mental health, by allowing me to meet other Veterans Amputees so we've got the shared experience, the camaraderie. They've paid for me to do a cybersecurity course, and helped me to move from the premises that I was in that wasn't suitable for me in my wheelchair and got me a ground floor flat. They furnished it they've put carpets in. They've helped me and supported me throughout the entire pandemic. And anytime that I do need help, they are there.” A fantastic cause ‘The make a smile lottery team had a great day with Blesma. Hearing from Nik about his story and the support he receives, was absolutely incredible. It really made everyone realise what a fabulous charity this is, and the make a smile lottery team are proud to be partnered with Blesma to help raise vital funds to help those just like Nik and their families.’ If you want to help someone like Nik click the button below to play the lottery in support of Blesma. Your £1 really does make a huge difference. [maxbutton id="6" ]
Dementia Action Week 2022 For Dementia Action week on 16th May 2022, we want to look into how this disease can impact people's lives. Christine Forskitt tells her story on what it is like to care for her husband David, who was sadly diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She describes how our charity partner Age UK Northamptonshire has been a life line in helping her care for David. A Heartbreaking Diagnosis Christine Forskitt’s husband David, is 82 years old and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four years ago, but she says it is easy to see in hindsight that he had been having difficulties for a while. “We were very happy together but we're the sort of couple that always had our own hobbies and interests. We were not Howard and Hilda,” says Christine. “So it has been quite a change for us to have to spend all our time together.” Covid and the lockdown changed things dramatically for 78 year old Christine. “I felt very cut off and isolated. Even though I have a son and daughter living in Northampton, we weren’t able to see them for such a long time. It has been very difficult. A Helping Hand “My daughter-in-law suggested we contact Age UK Northamptonshire because she knew about the day centre there. Things had become hard to manage and I needed a regular break. David enjoys coming here and always smiles when I ask if he’s had a good time. He can’t remember what he’s done, or what he had for lunch, but he has never once said he didn’t want to go." "I feel so sad I have lost the real David. Sometimes I look at David and don’t recognise my husband of nearly 60 years. When I feel bogged down, I have to remember all the wonderful things David has done over the years, the happy memories I have of him as a father and grandfather, as well as a husband, even fairly recently." "I feel so lucky to have the day centre. It brings benefits for both of us. He enjoys going three days a week and always feels happier after he’s been. Now that his condition is deteriorating, he’s not able to do very much on the days that he’s not at the day centre. He gets very tired after even a short walk. I am so grateful and glad to do anything I can to help Age UK Northamptonshire.” [video width="1080" height="1080" mp4="https://pbj-sm-blog.benon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AGE-UK-Dementia-Action-Week-Video.mp4" poster="https://pbj-sm-blog.benon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ChristineForskitt3x2.jpg"][/video] If you have been affected by Christine's story and need support, head to the Age UK Northamptonshire website here for more information on their services and how they can help.
Is there a better feeling than being the owner of a winning number?
A Day Out of the Office On 28th April, Blesma Member Nik Eley joined Blesma staff on an outing to the St Helena’s Hospice gardens in Colchester. The day was organised in order to take some new images for Blesma and make a smile, which has so far raised over £237,000 for Blesma through the lottery … Nik Makes a Smile!
Dementia Action Week 2022 For Dementia Action week on 16th May 2022, we want to look into how this disease can impact people’s lives. Christine Forskitt tells her story on what it is like to care for her husband David, who was sadly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She describes how our charity partner Age UK Northamptonshire … Life with Alzheimer’s
Shining a spot light for mental health awareness week Make a smile lottery work in partnership with Mid & North East Essex Mind. A local independent cause, affiliated to the national cause, Mind. They raise their own money to run their services, open to children, young people and adults living with a mild to moderate … An evening in the life of a Crisis Café support worker
We would like to introduce one of our Play & Save partners; Savino’s Caffè Bar Italiano! As one of our loyal lottery players and live in close proximity to the Cambridge area, you could be receiving great discounts here. Who are Savino’s? They are a small family run cafe located in the bustling city centre … Introducing Savino’s Caffè Bar Italiano!
We work with professional telemarketing agencies to help with the recruitment of lottery players. You can view their details and the list of callers are HERE. We have a fantastic relationship with our telemarketing agencies who provide telephone canvassing for our lotteries. Please note calls are made Monday to Saturday between the hours of 9am … Why was I called?
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