Melton hospice champion scoops £3K on its cash draw

A Melton man who raises awareness for a local hospice through touring the UK with a special Teddy bear has scooped thousands of pounds on a prize draw the charity organises to raise funds.
By Nick Rennie
Published 30th Apr 2021, 14:00 BST
Updated 30th Apr 2021, 14:08 BST
Roy Edwards (right) with fellow International Police Association member, Brian Collins, and Juno the Teddy bear who accompanies them on their tours across the UK and overseas in aid of Rainbows Hospice EMN-210430-135550001Roy Edwards (right) with fellow International Police Association member, Brian Collins, and Juno the Teddy bear who accompanies them on their tours across the UK and overseas in aid of Rainbows Hospice EMN-210430-135550001
Roy Edwards (right) with fellow International Police Association member, Brian Collins, and Juno the Teddy bear who accompanies them on their tours across the UK and overseas in aid of Rainbows Hospice EMN-210430-135550001

Roy Edwards, a former police officer has been a big supporter of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People for many years.

He is a member of the International Police Association, a group of serving and retired police officers from across the midlands who tour the UK and overseas on motorbikes.

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Last year, they adopted a Teddy bear, named Juno, who sends postcards to the youngsters at the hospice, which provides invaluable support for families in Leicestershire.

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Juno, who is dressed as a police officer, has been abiding by Covid restrictions but is hoping to get back on the road again soon and visit the hospice.

Roy supports Rainbows in other ways and last month, he scooped the £3,000 jackpot on the charity’s Superdraw.

Roy is also a member of the hospice’s £1 a week lottery.

He said: “It is my pleasure to be able to support Rainbows in varied ways and it is so easy to play the weekly lottery and the Superdraw.

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“I would encourage people to sign up because you just never know what you might win, I certainly didn’t expect to get the top prize; it was such a surprise.”

On his group’s fumdraisimng motorbike tours, he commented: “The Teddy bear is a lovely bit of fun.

“Although we haven’t been able to at the moment, we like to meet up regularly on our motorbikes and travel as much as possible.

“We think Rainbows is a fantastic charity so we came up with the idea of involving the teddy bear.

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“We thought it would be lovely for the children and young people to receive postcards from the bear as he travels across the UK and the world.

“And once restrictions allow, we hope to take him to the hospice on our motorbikes to visit the children, young people and staff.”

Jennifer Varnam, lottery supporter and engagement co-ordinator at Rainbows, said: “The Superdraw plays a crucial part in raising the necessary funds needed to keep Rainbows running and, on average, raises around £60,000 each year.

“People who buy tickets, and those who are part of our weekly lottery, make a difference to lives of the children, young people and families we support each and every day.

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“And hopefully if you win a prize, it will make a difference to you too.

“We look forward to seeing Juno, Roy and his team at the hospice as soon as we are able to welcome visitors again.”

Go to www.rainbows.co.uk/lottery to find out more about the Rainbows Lottery.