Eileen’s story

Retired cost accountant knows true value of hospice

Whether it’s walking, singing, playing the lottery of donating monthly, Eileen Smith has found many ways to support St Christopher’s over the years.

Living in South East London all her life, Eileen, now in her 70s, says she’s been aware of the hospice for as long as she can remember and recently doubled her St Christopher’s lottery plays to two tickets a month on top of her monthly donation.

“I think I was first properly conscious of St Christopher’s when an old school friend was admitted about 25 years ago. And I’ve always just known it for being a such a lovely place.”

More recently, Eileen has been an active member and treasurer of the Carefree Singers, based near the retirement flats in which she lives in Bromley. The 22-strong group performs regularly and often raises money for St Christopher’s at those concerts.

“We performed at St Christopher’s one Christmas, and we had such a fabulous audience. It was the best feeling in the world singing there.

“There’s just a special feeling about the place – it’s the serenity, cheerfulness and atmosphere.”

When major fundraising events like the London Marathon were cancelled during COVID-19 Eileen took on the 2.6 challenge, walking 26 laps of the garden in her retirement complex and raising vital funds for St Christopher’s.

If the time was to come, Eileen says she would be very happy to cared for by St Christopher’s and thinks everyone should consider that possibility.

“I would encourage everyone to think about playing the St Christopher’s lottery because it’s such a wonderful place and you never know when you or a loved one might need it.

To help St Christopher’s continue to provide quality end of life care for thousands of people every year and be in with in chance of winning up to £5,000 every month, join the lottery for as little as £5 per month. Get involved here.