A LONG-STANDING Prospect Hospice supporter who won £300 after a virtual bet has ensured that his good fortune has benefited his favourite local charity.

John Roberts from Swindon was attending the Local Government Association annual conference in Bournemouth during the summer when he took part in a challenge organised by betting firm William Hill.

The company was in attendance to present and explain the responsible gambling measures available on their gaming machines across the UK.

Everyone who took an interest in learning more about responsible gambling was given an opportunity to compete for a donation from virtual winnings to forward on to a charity of their choice.

The conference delegate who generated the greatest amount was allowed to choose a charity to benefit from a £300 donation from William Hill.

When he amassed the highest score, John had no hesitation in choosing Prospect Hospice.

“The challenge was designed to spark a conversation about how our company delivers responsible gambling in the communities where we operate and also be a bit of fun for the delegates attending the conference,” said Tony Ackerman, district operations manager for William Hill in the south of England. “I was delighted that John won it as Swindon is one of the towns in the area I work in.”

John, an account manager with Public Power Solutions, which is wholly owned by Swindon Borough Council, explained that when he was told that he had won the £300 donation, the charity to benefit from it was never in doubt.

“I have spent much of my life in Swindon and it’s a charity that is close to the hearts of many, many people in the town,” he said. “I’ve had friends who have been supported by Prospect Hospice so, for me, it was a no-brainer. We have always been supporters. I play the weekly lottery and donate to the shops too.”

Community Fundraiser at Prospect Hospice, Amy Francombe was delighted to accept the cheque when it was presented by both John and Tony.

“Luck played a big part in this donation coming to Prospect Hospice," she said. "But we are very grateful both to John and to William Hill for this donation.

“Generous gestures like this make a huge difference to our being able to care for and support the thousands of people Prospect Hospice helps each year.”