Swindon residents are being invited to support local cancer patients while being in with a chance of winning a host of prizes, as Brighter Futures launches its Summer Sunshine Raffle 2026.
The charity, which supports Great Western Hospital, hopes to raise vital funds for its Meadows Appeal, a project to create a dedicated therapeutic wellbeing space for people undergoing cancer treatment.
The proposed facility will provide patients and their families with a welcoming environment away from the clinical setting, offering somewhere to relax, access information, receive emotional support and spend time together during treatment.
Brighter Futures says the space has been designed to complement the hospital’s clinical care by improving patients’ overall wellbeing and helping healthcare teams provide more personalised support throughout their cancer journey.
This year’s raffle has been made possible through donations from businesses across Swindon and the surrounding area, with prizes including a £500 cash prize, afternoon tea experiences, shopping vouchers, jewellery, sporting experiences, hospitality packages and family attractions.
Among those supporting the fundraiser are Haine & Smith Opticians, De Vere Cotswold Water Park, Absolutely Cleaning Services, Cirencester Golf Club, Soccer & Sporting Excellence, Kings Arms Swindon, Frocester, Love & Stitch, Maggie Max, Jacey Jewels and Swindon Town Football Club.
Brighter Futures hopes the community will once again rally behind a major cancer project, following the success of its Radiotherapy Appeal, which helped bring radiotherapy treatment to Great Western Hospital and reduced the need for many patients to travel long distances for care.
Emma Macdonald, Head of Fundraising Operations at Brighter Futures, said the raffle was another opportunity for local people to make a real difference.
“The Summer Sunshine Raffle is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together once again and make a real difference for local people facing cancer.
“Every ticket sold helps us move closer to creating a dedicated wellbeing space where patients and their families can find comfort, support and a moment away from the clinical environment during treatment.
“We’re incredibly grateful to every business that has donated prizes and to everyone who supports the raffle. The generosity of our local community never fails to amaze us, and together we’re helping to improve the experience of cancer care for local families.”
Senior Sister Sharon Northwood said the new facility would complement the medical treatment patients already receive.
“The Meadows Appeal will have a lasting impact on the care we provide. Alongside excellent clinical treatment, patients need spaces where they can receive emotional support, access information, learn more about their treatment and spend valuable time with loved ones.
“This dedicated wellbeing space will help us provide more personalised, holistic care and make a real difference to patients’ experiences throughout their cancer journey.”
Raffle tickets are priced at £2 each or five for £10, with entries closing at 11.59pm on 10 September. The draw will take place on 11 September, and entrants must be aged 18 or over.
Every ticket sold will help bring the Meadows Appeal a step closer to creating a permanent wellbeing space, giving future generations of cancer patients and their families somewhere to find comfort, support and reassurance during what can be one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
