Blown Away

A CHILDREN'S hospice in Scotland, forced to close its treasured gardens after a huge storm, says it will now be able to repair the damage, thanks to surprise funding raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery.

Staff, families and volunteers at Robin House in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, were devastated when Storm Eowyn hit the 6.5-acre site last month, causing more than £60,000 worth of damage - and left the gardens out of bounds.

But there were tears of joy when the hospice - one of two run by the charity Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) - received a visit from Postcode Lottery Ambassador Matt Johnson and a cheque for £150,000.

The funding comes off the back of a Balloch postcode winning the lottery's Millionaire Street prize. Fifteen neighbours of Inchfad Road, located just a few hundred yards from the hospice, shared £1 million. Good causes close to the winning postcode also benefit as part of the prize, with the funds awarded by Postcode Community Trust.

CHAS CEO Rami Okasha said: "At Robin House our garden is so important to the ongoing care for the children and families we support. This fantastic funding, thanks to the generosity of players of People's Postcode Lottery, will make a huge difference to Robin House ensuring we can fix the garden and so much more."

While main hospice buildings were unscathed following the storm, the 90mph blasts uprooted mature trees, destroyed fences, damaged drainage and wrecked the garden's polytunnel cover and frame beyond rescue.

Rami added: "Our garden is a special place and often offers the only active, accessible outdoor space our families can enjoy and explore safely. It also holds many precious memories for families and offers a quiet sanctuary for parents, siblings and loved ones."

Watch the emotional moment Postcode Lottery Ambassador Matt Johnson delivered the surprise news in the film below.

Making A Difference

People's Postcode Lottery players are helping deserving causes like Children's Hospices Across Scotland make a difference every single day. Read more about the range of Charities our players support.

Related Links

• Children's Hospices Across Scotland website