A LOTTERY winner has handed back his £1,000 prize to the hospice that organised the draw.

Maurice McIlfatrick, who has been volunteering at Treetops Hospice for five years, won the cash in the hospice's own lottery – and immediately donated it to the Risley-based charity's Ripple Appeal.

And to mark the occasion, he bought all staff, patients and volunteers a cream bun to celebrate.

Mr McIlfatrick said: "As a member of the fund-raising team, I understand how difficult it is to raise money.

"Making the decision to donate the £1,000 to the Treetops Hospice Ripple Appeal was an easy one for me.

"I'm very keenly aware that this is a particularly critical period in the Ripple Appeal Fundraising, as we get closer to the target."

Kate Shaw and Lily Grant, the appeal's fund-raising team, said: "Maurice has been instrumental in fund-raising for the Ripple Appeal and we're so delighted that he has kindly donated his winnings."

Treetops offers palliative and respite care to people suffering with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.

For more information, call 0115 9491264 or 07904 618350 or e-mail kshaw@treetopshospice.org.uk. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/treetopshospice