Sheffield United star and inspirational five-year-old reveal winner of charity's jackpot prize

A Sheffield United star and an inspirational five-year-old have revealed the winner of a much-loved charity's Christmas giveaway.
Madison Sipson at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.Madison Sipson at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.
Madison Sipson at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Blades’ striker David McGoldrick announced the winner of Bluebell Wood's seasonal superdraw alongside Madison Sipson, who is supported by the charity.

The pair announced the winner of both the £2,500 jackpot and the runner-up prize of a luxury Christmas hamper, with the top prize going to an unnamed great-grandmother from Derbyshire.

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All the money raised from the draw will go to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, which supports hundreds of children with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families.

David McGoldrick at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.David McGoldrick at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.
David McGoldrick at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Affectionately known as ‘Princess Madison’, the tenacious youngster was born with two holes in her heart, and spent her first two Christmases in hospital.

Mum Wendi Sipson, from Retford, said: “The first year after she was born, we hadn’t really had a Christmas as she was so poorly in hospital, which meant that her two brothers missed out too.”

“For her second Christmas, we wanted to have a really special time, but on 23rd December she was readmitted to hospital.

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“We brought her home for half an hour on Christmas Day, but she took a turn for the worse so we had to take her back in.”

David McGoldrick at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.David McGoldrick at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.
David McGoldrick at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Once she returned home, Madison and her family were referred to Bluebell Wood for a much-needed helping hand.

“I was so sceptical at first - but when I walked in, I realised it’s such a happy place,” said dad Gary.

“It’s so nice that Madi’s looked after so well, so that we can spend some time with the boys. She absolutely loves the sensory room, the musical instruments and painting.

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“For our family, Bluebell Wood has been so much help, and I know if, when Madi was very poorly, we would have needed end of life care at Bluebell, we’d have been looked after so well.”

Kelly Gerrard, Bluebell Wood’s Lottery Fundraiser, said: “Playing our Seasonal Superdraw is a fantastic and fun way to support families like Madison’s, so a huge thank you to everyone who has played this year.

“The funds we’ve raised through this year’s competition will help us make a real difference to local children and families who are going through the toughest of times.”

There is a chance to win £1,000 each week throughout the year and support local families by playing Bluebell Wood’s regular lottery.

Details on how to play can be found here https://www.bluebellwood.org/play-the-lottery.