Torbay Hospital Radio's Christmas Draw raises funds for local charity
Torbay Hospital Radio's Christmas Draw is one of the station's biggest fundraisers of the year, with prizes available for as little as £1, and a draw date of 14th December 2026.
Here we go then. I'm going to talk about Christmas. I can hear you groaning already. Look, I've already been in shops where it seems to be the festive season, and we've only just had Halloween and Bonfire Night. I suppose that's fair enough as far as the retailers are concerned. To be honest, it's also a signal to the organiser of the Torbay Hospital Radio Christmas Draw that it's time to get moving as the draw is set for 14th December.
Steph Teece at the station, masterminds the draw for us, encouraging fellow members to beg, borrow and generally hunt down as many prizes as possible for what is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. Many people assume a hospital radio station like ours is funded by the NHS, when in fact, like many stations across the country, we are an independent charity that relies on donations, fundraising events and volunteers. Steph is one of the station's unsung heroes, having taken on numerous roles during an association stretching back some 20 years.
With so many good causes competing for donations, local charities often have to work harder than ever to raise funds. That is why I am always grateful to have the opportunity to get the message out there. You can look on our website if you would like to buy some tickets, available for as little as £1, the address is https://torbayhospitalradio.com/donate/. We are hugely grateful to the companies and individuals that have donated prizes and if you want to see a list they are available on the Torbay Hospital Facebook page.
It’s not just us that is trying to raise funds.
Torbay Community Development Trust, or as it is more commonly known Torbay Communities is running an annual raffle with a draw date of Monday 14th December 2026. A whole host of great prizes, tickets are £1 each/£10 for a book of ten. If you’d like to buy any, contact David on the following email [email protected]. For those who don’t know this charity its aim is to promote a place where people feel included and part of a thriving community, so another you might like to support.
Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity is already promoting it’s Big Christmas Cake Break. This is a great way to bring people together and raise funds to improve and enhance patient care in Torbay and South Devon! Basically bake some Christmas cakes, Yule logs or mince pies and flog them. Or possibly hold a Christmas jumper or sock competition, ‘Guess the number of Baubles’ or hold a seasonally themed quiz. Have fun and raise money for a good cause, to find out more, please get in touch with our Fundraising & Partnerships Team by emailing [email protected].
If you're looking for a memorable way to raise money for charity this festive season, why not join the Paignton Lions' Boxing Day Walk into the Sea? At the stroke of midday, hundreds of brave fundraisers, many sporting festive or fancy dress outfits, head into the chilly waters for an event packed with fun, laughter and community spirit. Participants can choose a charity or cause to receive half of the sponsorship they raise, while the remaining funds help support the Lions' charitable work. It helps if you are slightly bonkers to do this one.
So, Christmas will be here before we know it. I realise this is an expensive time of year, and the cost of living continues to put pressure on many households. All I would ask is that, if you can, you put a little aside for the charities that help those less fortunate than us. You never know when one of these organisations may be there when you need it most. Whether it's Torbay Hospital Radio or another local cause, every donation makes a difference. Please give what you can. It costs a great deal to keep these organisations going and, on their behalf, thank you for your support.