It was double celebration time this week as two lucky residents received lottery winning cheques from St Francis Hospice.

Brenda Edwards, of Elm Park, was the big winner as she scooped the rollover second prize that stood at �3,000.

Brenda, who is 68 later this month, said: “I’ve never won anything in my life. This is a lovely early birthday present.”

Brenda, a full-time carer to her husband David who has Parkinson’s disease, says she plans to use her winnings to help him with his disability.

The first prize �1,000 winner for the draw made on September 7 was from Goodmayes. The winner has only been playing the lottery for a week. The hospice launched its weekly lottery to raise �1million for patient care over the first four years.

n To join the lottery visit www.sfh.org.uk or call 01708 771433. You can have up to 20 numbers a week and can pay by direct debit