My name is John.

I’m a patient here at St Michael’s Hospice.

Although we’ve never met, I feel a great gratitude to you as a supporter of the Hospice, and that’s because you have made a difference to my life. 

I’ve got prostate cancer which has spread to my bones. 

Before coming to St Michael’s Hospice as a day patient, my Friday’s would be spent at home and it could often be isolating. But thanks to people like you, I now spend every Friday with companionship, and with a new-found confidence that I never had before.

And that’s why I’d like to invite you to be a part of the St Michael’s Hospice Big Summer Draw. Not only will you be in with a chance of winning the top prize of £2,000, but you’ll be helping people like me who so desperately need and love these incredible support groups and services.

I’ve been visiting St Michael’s for about a year now and have only one regret – that I didn’t come to this wonderful place sooner. I come here because I’ve got prostate cancer which has spread to my bones. 

When I told one of my sons about St Michael’s, he was wary. He thought it was a place you came to die, but I told him the opposite was true. I told him I’m going there to get help – and that’s exactly what has happened.    

If it wasn’t for St Michael’s, I would just be in the house on a Friday. Coming to the Hospice gives me companionship and a sense of confidence I didn’t have before.       

Would I recommend St Michael’s? 110% I would. It’s a place very special to me, and not just because of my own treatment.  

Twenty years ago, my father-in-law was cared for here. I vividly remember sitting beside his bed, gazing outside to see the foxes playing. Now, that part of the Hospice is where I visit as a Day Patient each week. It’s where I’ve made some wonderful friends. And it’s a place where I know help is at hand.  

Coming here has made a big difference to me. I’ve learnt more about my illness in the last 12 months than I did in the 12 years since my initial diagnosis. Coming here has also made me more confident. 

There’s a doctor on hand. I can ask questions others can’t answer; and the cheerful, uplifting staff and volunteers make my Fridays fly by. I’ve never known anyone say a bad word about the place – why would you?   

As a supporter of St Michael’s, you have helped create this. None of what I’ve described would be possible without your continued backing.  And it’s not just me. Everyone I see here would not have felt the warmth of St Michael’s love without you, so thank you.  

Buy some Summer Draw tickets before Friday 30^tlh June, and you will also have a chance to win a luxury one-night stay for two including breakfast at The Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford.   Above all though, you’ll be helping others like me, and those who might just be starting their journey with St Michael’s Hospice. I hope it’s as beneficial, rewarding and fun as mine.