A LUCKY ticket holder has scooped the first prize of a car in a charity raffle despite not being able to drive.
Alan Bergen, of Darlington, won the top prize of a Corsa Griffin, supplied by local Vauxhall dealership Drive, in the St Teresa’s Hospice prize car draw.
Avid Manchester United fan Alan, 60, who never learnt to drive, will be giving his new car to his partner’s son, carpet fitter Paul Prince, after buying his £2 winning ticket from the St Teresa’s charity shop in Cockerton.
“I couldn’t believe it when the hospice rang to tell me I’d won,” said Alan. “I thought it was a joke.
“I go to St Teresa’s charity shop every week looking for Manchester United memorabilia and on this occasion they had the Corsa parked outside with all the stickers on it advertising the prize draw.
“I thought Paul could do with a new car so I went inside and bought a ticket, never really thinking I would win, and then I forgot about it until I got the call. I was shaking when I told my partner Ellen, I was so happy I felt like crying.”
The raffle, which also saw winners walk away with prizes including a luxury weekend in the Lake District, a lawnmower, a day of karting, a pair of mountain bikes and tickets to a Jess Glynne concert, raised £13,500 for St Teresa’s.
All profits from the draw will go towards helping fund the hospice, on Woodland Road, Darlington, which provides free care and support for residents of Darlington, South West Durham and North-Yorkshire who are affected by life-limiting illness.
Chief Executive of St Teresa’s Hospice Jane Bradshaw said: “I am delighted that one of our regular St Teresa’s shoppers has won the car and am heart-warmed that he has chosen to share his success by giving it to his partner’s son.
“This is the third time that St Teresa’s has held a car draw and we had so many people clamouring for tickets that we are hoping to repeat it again in 2020.”
Paul, 41, of Darlington, who collected his car from Vauxhall Drive sales manager Chris Wilson, added: “I’m still in shock, it’s unbelievable. I am very grateful to him and there will be a lot of lifts on offer for him and my mam whenever they need them.”
All winners have been contacted. A full list of winning ticket numbers can be found at www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk.