A Brentwood woman has started the new year with a double lottery win.

Helen Gallagher, 44, claimed the £1,000 jackpot on the Saint Francis Hospice lottery, and then one of the £10 prizes a fortnight later.

The mother-of-two, who works in HR at the High Courts in London, said she was aware of how valuable the hospice was to the community.

She said: “I know what a great cause it is and what a difference it makes to peoples’ lives. You never know when you might need it and I wanted to try and help.”

Helen has put her winnings to good use on home improvements as well as treating her family to a meal to celebrate her birthday.

David Holmes, Head of Individual Giving at Saint Francis Hospice, said: “Thanks to our regular players like Helen the lottery raises hundreds of thousands of pounds to help fund our nurses and doctors."

Saint Francis Hospice, which is based in Romford, supports people with life-limiting illnesses, including including cancer, heart and lung diseases, and motor neurone disease.

To sign up to the hospice lottery, visit www.sfh.org.uk or call 01708 771433.