THE Ark Cancer Centre Charity has launched a new lottery-style campaign to raise funds and give participants the chance to win big.

The 50:50 campaign will allow people to support the charity through paying £5 or more each month to put them in with the chance of winning a cash prize.

Everyone who pledges to pay £5 a month will be given a unique number – and the more you pay, the more numbers you will be given.

Half of the pledged money is allocated to the charity and the other half is retained as the prize fund, with the potential prize depending on the number of people who have pledged to pay. The winning number is picked at random on the last working day of each month.

Jill Connock, who lives in Thatcham, was the winner of the first draw.

She said: “My main reason for taking part was to help fund the much-needed cancer centre.

“I have worked in the hospital since 1978 and have seen many changes, and this one is of particular interest to me as cancer affects so many people.

“I would urge people to take part. You can really make a difference and see results, and you might even win as well, but the main thing is to commit to a worthy cause.”

For more information on the 50:50 campaign, visit arkcancer charity.org.uk and click on ‘donate’, or call 01256 360419.