Lotteries – in whatever form – are enormously popular worldwide.
At Yourlottoservice, we see ourselves not only as a provider of lottery game syndicates, but as part of British society – home to many people whose happiness depends primarily on beating a disease that afflicts them.
That’s why we have decided to support Lymphoma Action, the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer. And one of the activities to support them is to take part in the South Coast Challenge and raise donations.
Lymphoma Action – your source of information
When confronted with a diagnosis of cancer, many people are sent into a state of shock and have so many different questions, and helping to answer these questions is where Lymphoma Action comes into play. They have been providing in-depth, expert information for over 35 years, helping thousands of people affected by lymphoma.
This is truer than ever in this time of the Covid 19 pandemic, when Lymphoma Action is continuously compiling the latest information on the virus and its impact on people with lymphoma. It goes without saying that this information comes from authoritative sources, including the UK government, NICE and the NHS.
Interview Lymphoma Action / Yourlottoservice and the South Coast Challenge
To find out how the unusual cooperation between Lymphoma Action and Yourlottoservice came about, how our lottery team supports the charity, and whether there are any other plans lying in the drawers, the editorial team spoke to Sarah Thorn / Lymphoma Action and Sandra Poepping and Katherine Walker / Yourlottoservice.
Who threw the first ball to get the co-operation up and running?
Yourlottoservice (YLS), Katherine: YLS approached Lymphoma Action as I had received great support and guidance from them whilst my son had chemotherapy and radiotherapy for Lymphoma. He is now 3 years in remission and we still rely on Lymphoma Action for guidance. Which has been vital over that year and a half due to COVID 19.
Lymphoma Action (LA), Sarah: We are delighted to have connected with Yourlottoservice (YLS) as their support will enable us to help even more people affected by lymphoma.
Being diagnosed with lymphoma can feel frightening and life changing but we are always there to inform, support and connect and we know our information and support makes a real difference to people when they most need it.
A team from YLS is competing in the South Coast Challenge in September, in conjunction with a fundraiser to benefit Lymphoma Action. What do you think of this action?
LA, Sarah: Challenge events are a great source of income for the charity and we are thrilled that YLS are taking part in the South Coast Challenge. Additionally, September is Blood Cancer Awareness month so their participation in this event is really valued as it will help us to raise awareness of this most common form of blood cancer.
YLS, Katherine: Simon and I took up walking during lockdown and realised it was great way to keep fit and healthy in both body and mind. We even got a dog to take on our walks. However, he is only little and not quite up to the 25km. We are both looking forward to the challenge and hoping to raise as much as we can.
Cancer is one of the great scourges of humanity. Is the fight against this disease getting the attention it deserves?
LA, Sarah: Lymphoma is the UK’s fifth most common cancer, but it is not well known and is notoriously hard to diagnose – people often tell us that their symptoms were mistaken for other conditions and so it is important that we continue to be a voice for people affected by lymphoma in order to influence the decisions that affect them and raise awareness of lymphoma.
How important are private partnerships, like the one with YLS, for your work?
LA, Sarah: The companies that support us play a vital role in helping us reach more people affected by lymphoma and we are always looking for new ways to work in partnership. We always give 100% commitment and effort to ensure the smooth running of the partnership in order to work together for mutual benefit.
Are there rules or guidelines that set the direction and roadmap of your social engagement?
YLS, Sandra: Yes, we aim to support not only where a genuine good cause is worth raising funds for, but also where our heart is at – in this case Katherine’s heart, so we gladly took up her suggestion.
How should we envision a co-operation like this between two such different, let’s say, interest groups? Does it take shape once and then stay that way, or is it volatile, so that new developments keep emerging?
LA, Sarah: We are very flexible as an organisation and can offer a tailored approach to our corporate partners and envisage working in partnership in a variety of ways including encouraging employee participation in challenge events and fundraising campaigns such as 27 in 27.
YLS, Sandra: From our perspective it is here to stay. We often ask our customers if they are happy with the organisation – Lymphoma Action – we donate to, and since the responses are fully positive we are happy, too!
If you had one wish: What task would Lymphoma Action dedicate itself to if the financial resources were even better or if money were no object?
LA, Sarah: Our mission is that through information, education, support and influence, we will make sure that no one has to face lymphoma alone.
If you had one wish: Where would you see your social commitment if you could free up even more financial resources?
YLS, Sandra: Me personally I would love to divert some further funds to Nature Protection organisations, as I feel that an intact and diverse nature is helping all of us and especially the next generations. I guess all of us can already feel the adverse effects of the natural inhabitants’ destruction to some extend. It would be so great to turn this around!
Let’s get back to the South Coast Challenge, will you be there to walk or run right along with the crowd?
LA, Sarah: We are delighted that the team is taking on the challenge, we have provided them with T-shirts for the day and will support the team virtually before and after their walk. We will also provide lymphoma lights packs (with flags and banners to wave) for Katherine and Simon’s family and friends to wave along the way.
YLS, Sandra: Katherine and Simon will be walking the 25km, friends and family will be there to support.
If there is anyone who does not want to wait until the beginning of September for the run and prefers to support Katherine and Simon Castleman already now: Where and how can donors become active?
YLS, Katherine: That is quite easy – simply access our dedicated JustGiving-page and donate right there:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/yourlottoservice
Then, in closing, we would just like to wish the best of luck to all those who are in particular need of it! Thank you for the interview.