The winner of a charity raffle which raised more than £30,000 has been handed the keys to a new Peugeot 106, writes Stephen Deal.

Kennett Gardner, 73, of Hillview Estate, Carterton, was the lucky winner of the £8,000 top prize in the annual raffle held in aid of the Sobell House Hospice for the terminally ill.

He drove the car away after a ceremony outside the hospice, based in the grounds of Oxford's Churchill Hospital.

Allison Blundell, appeals co-ordinator for the raffle, said: "Although the hospice is based in Headington, it serves the entire community of Oxfordshire and the services it provides are completely free. "The money raised through the Sobell raffle is not spent on sophisticated equipment but is, very largely, invested in human resources, namely the staff who provide the highly professional medical and emotional care which is the hallmark of Sobell House.

"The raffle is an annual event and is an integral part of Sobell House Hospice charity's fundraising strategy.

"It has proved to be a very popular avenue of support and this year was no exception. Indeed, the response from the community of Oxfordshire has been magnificent, with the grand total for the raffle exceeding £30,000."

Story date: Wednesday 08 December

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