A MAN from Carlisle has won a brand new car in a raffle which has raised more than £92,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
John Purdham, 43, a railway network team leader, couldn’t believe his luck when he received the phone call from the charity to say he was the winner of a brand new Sportage car, supplied by Jennings Kia, and that he would be receiving the new motor in time for Christmas.
The devoted husband and father of four decided instantly that it would be an early Christmas gift for his teaching assistant wife, Carrie-Ann, 37.
Mr Purdham said; “I haven’t won anything before, not even £1 on a Lottery scratch card, so when I took the phone call from the Great North Air Ambulance, I honestly thought someone was playing a prank, then I realised I had actually won a car – it was an absolutely fantastic feeling!
“I’ve bought tickets from the charity’s online site for a number of years now, it’s become a bit of a family tradition because I like to support local causes, but I’d completely forgotten about this year’s purchase – so it was a lovely surprise, and it’s definitely made our Christmas, especially for my wife!”
Mandy Drake, deputy director of public liaison, at GNAAS said: ‘We think it’s wonderful that Mr Purdham has decided to give the car to his wife as an early Christmas present.
“He was one of many thousands who entered the draw, and we would just like to thank all of them for playing, because ultimately the money raised will help us save lives in the region. A huge thank you also goes to everyone at Jennings for their support, as this wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
The charity would also like to thank Rockcliffe Hall for their generosity in donating the 2nd prize of dinner, bed and breakfast for two.