A Children's Hospital Lottery winner says she will spend some of her winnings on her ill four-year-old nephew after he inspired her to start playing the game.

Linda Maher, of Cowley, Oxford, won the £1,000 jackpot in last week's draw in aid of the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign.

The 45-year-old shop worker said she was slowly getting used to the idea of winning.

She said: "It hasn't really sunk in yet. I'm not sure what I'll spend it on, probably the family.

"I do the lottery because of my nephew, Jack Maher. He has to deal with the hospital all the time because he has got a long-term illness where he has no growth hormones.

"He has been in there since day one, so I'll probably spoil him."

The weekly lottery was set up in June to help raise £15m for the 106-bed children's hospital being built next to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington.

Mrs Maher urged other people to play the appeal lottery, and said players were more likely to win than they might think.

She said: "I thought I might have a good chance. I thought it was more likely than the National Lottery. I have actually won £25 once before, so I have won twice now and I have only been playing for six months."

As well as the £1,000 jackpot, players have the chance to collect a £100 second prize, two £50 payouts, or two £25 fourth prizes.

Players can join up via the lottery hotline on 0870 050 1692, paying by cheque, credit card or standing order.

For further details, visit www.chox.org.uk