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Phil’s story

Firefighter Phil Cook won £10,000 on our Lottery Superdraw after years of taking part- his way of contributing to the work we do, after seeing the difference it makes first-hand.

Phil: “I joined the Fire Fighters lottery to support a cause I love – I never expected to win!”

When Phil Cook received the call every Fire Fighters Lottery Superdraw player dreams of, he says he was “lost for words”.

Having spent years as both an on-call and wholetime firefighter with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service before moving into the Protection Team, Phil has supported Fire Fighters Charity for as long as he can remember. Playing the lottery was a big part of that, and something he saw as a regular contribution to help colleagues across our fire services community.

However, he never expected to win.

Two people sit at an outdoor wooden table, smiling. The man wears glasses and a blue shirt; the woman has sunglasses and a floral top. Drinks and a phone are on the table. A black building and plants are in the background.

Source: Darren Drinkwater Photo & Video

“The charity has been absolutely fantastic, for me and my friends,” says Phil.

“I had a shoulder injury and was invited to Harcombe House, the charity’s rehabilitation centre in Devon, a while ago, which was great. The programme combined talks with time using the facilities and, overall, it was a much-needed break away. I nearly didn’t go to be honest, I didn’t think I was bad enough, but I’m so pleased I did – and I’ve been encouraging other colleagues to get in touch ever since.

“A friend of mine got Long Covid and they had support on the Covid Recovery Programme. She had left the fire service then, but of course was still able to access your support. She’d actually planned to come home each night, but she said it was that good, she stayed the whole time.”

Having seen the difference the support can make, Phil says it made his monthly lottery plays mean so much more.

“I love our job, I always have,” he says. “But whenever the wheels on the truck start turning it’s someone’s worst nightmare. For me, it’s knowing we have that skillset to help make things right for someone.

A bride in a white dress and a man in a suit with a sunflower boutonniere smile together indoors, with a bed and warm lighting in the background.

“You never know when any of us may need help. Fire Fighters Charity is brilliant and continues to give and give to me and my colleagues. I’ve always felt like playing the lottery was a small price to pay and contribute towards the great work you do”.

Asked how he broke the news to his wife when he heard he’d won £10,000 in our Superdraw, Phil said: “We were going to have bacon sandwiches that night for dinner – and I went outside to break the news to the Mrs, and just said ‘I’m going to have an egg with mine tonight, blow the expense!’

“My brother emigrated to Canada 10 years ago and I’ve never been to see him, so we’re hoping to go out there now. The money will make such a difference.”

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