Posted on 2nd October 2026

The family of a man who received end-of-life care at Severn Hospice is urging people to support its annual Christmas Raffle, saying every £1 ticket helps towards another family receiving the same compassion and dignity they experienced. 

Elaine Raine was married to her husband Tony for 34 years. Last November, Tony was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and died at Severn Hospice in Apley just nine weeks later, aged 59. 

Encourage

Now, as she faces her first Christmas without him, Elaine is sharing their story to encourage people to support the charity, which cares for more than 3,000 local families every year. 

“This will be the first Christmas in 34 years that I am without Tony,” said Elaine. 

“When we learned his cancer was terminal, our daughters, Lauren and Izzy, came home so we could spend every precious moment together. Over Christmas, Tony stayed at Severn Hospice while the team managed his pain. He felt safe, cared for and surrounded by kindness, and that meant everything to us. 

Exceptional

“The staff gave Tony exceptional care and supported our whole family through the hardest days of our lives. Before Tony became ill, we never imagined we’d need a hospice. But when we did, Severn Hospice was there for us. 

“Raffle tickets cost just £1, but the care they help provide is beyond price. By buying  tickets, you’ll help another family receive the same comfort, dignity and kindness when they need it most.” 

Karen Swindells, Severn Hospice’s Head of Individual Giving, said: “We’re so grateful to Elaine and her family for sharing Tony’s story. 

“Our care is free for patients, but it costs almost £20 every minute of every day to provide. Every raffle ticket sold helps towards specialist care for local people and support for the families who love them. 

Help

“Thank you to everyone who buys  tickets. This Christmas, you’ll not only be in with a chance of winning our £5,000 jackpot or one of 42 other cash prizes, you’ll also be helping us be there for families when they need us most.” 

To buy tickets for the raffle, which has 43 cash prizes, click here