Devon family launches charity raffle in support of daughter’s bowel cancer fight

A family-run glamping site in Plymstock is holding a Christmas raffle to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK, inspired by the owner’s daughter, who is living with stage 4 bowel cancer. 

Stones & Stars Boutique Glamping, a small business on the edge of Plymouth and close to southern Dartmoor, will run the raffle as part of its Christmas Market on Saturday 13 December.

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The event has been organised by co-owner Peter Sprigg, whose daughter, Hayley, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in July 2021 at the age of 33. 

Her illness has spread to her liver, lungs, hip, shoulder, neck and spine; and she recently underwent radiotherapy for three tumours on her brain.

Despite the seriousness of her condition, her family say she continues to show strength and optimism. Peter said:

“Hayley constantly amazes me with her courage, optimism and zest for life. I am so proud of her. I am also in awe of her husband, Scott, who has given up work to be a full-time carer for Hayley, as well as running the house and looking after their three children. 

“He also raises money for the charity, he’s a runner and recently ran the Paris Marathon for Bowel Cancer UK and is trying to secure a place in the London Marathon next year. He’s a legend.”

Peter said the family wanted to support research and raise awareness after seeing what the disease can do.

“The reason I have chosen this charity is that I have seen what this awful disease can do, standing by helplessly while my young daughter has battled every day. More and more young people are being diagnosed, and I believe the more money raised for research, the better. 

“The raffle prizes will also be a wonderful treat for someone to help brighten their Christmas. It’s about raising money and awareness for an important cause that is so close to our hearts.”

The family hopes to raise £2,000 for Bowel Cancer UK. All proceeds from raffle ticket sales will go to the charity.

ABOVE: (Image: Stones & Stars Boutique Glamping)

There are three prizes, all of which are Devon short-break stays:

• A two-night stay for two at Stones & Stars Boutique Glamping
• A two-night stay for two at Radford Castle
• A two-night stay for two at Bumble Bee Cottage in Plymstock

Tickets cost £10 and will be sold at the Christmas Market from 11am to 3pm, with the winning ticket drawn at 2pm. 

The event will also include Santa’s grotto, live music and local stalls, and the family say the raffle is a way to bring the community together while supporting others affected by bowel cancer.