A THORNABY man is celebrating after winning a brand new car worth £16,500.

Patrick Burton was delighted to be named the lucky winner of The James University Hospital’s Kidney Unit Appeal car raffle, which is part of a fundraising effort aiming to raise £500,000 to create a bright, modern and welcoming facility for the hospital’s patients.

The 62-year-old, who is retired, did not have a car prior to winning the Vauxhall Corsa SE and had to either walk to where he wanted to be or rely on public transport.

“It came as a great surprise,” he said. “I’d just got back from the hospital when Janine from the charity team phoned up and said I’d won the car. I thought it was a windup at first because I’d just left the hospital, it was a total surprise.

“It’s absolutely marvellous; it’ll be a great addition to the family because I’ll be daddy’s taxi again.”

He added: “I’m a great believer in charity, and I use the NHS quite a lot so I like to give back as much as I can, so it’s a bonus all around to win the raffle.”

Our Hospitals Charity teamed up with Drive Motor Retail back in April to launch the virtual raffle after the company generously handed over the keys to the new vehicle.

Rob Keenan, group joint managing director at Drive Motor Retail, said: “We’re delighted to handover a brand-new Vauxhall Corsa to Patrick. It’s been a pleasure to be behind this campaign that has helped raise so much money for such a worthy cause.

“The renal services at The James Cook University Hospital support people from the Tees Valley as well as parts of Durham, North Yorkshire and Cumbria and the work the NHS workers do is truly life changing. Well done Patrick, and enjoy driving away in your brand new Corsa!”

Thomas Harrington of Our Hospitals Charity added: “It’s great to hear that the car will benefit both Patrick and his family. We would like to say thank you to everyone who entered the raffle as well as a special thank you to Drive Motor Retail for donating the car, meaning every penny has gone towards the Kidney Unit Appeal.

"Your generous donations will go a long way in helping us make sure our patients receive outstanding kidney care when attending our James Cook unit.”

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