A LOTTERY is celebrating a decade of good luck for many - and raising nearly £4m for a good cause.

Sam Flynn, wife of Newport West MP Paul Flynn, joined the celebration for the special birthday of St David's Foundation Lottery.

It raises £475,000 a year to support the work of the hospice care service and has given away thousands of pounds in prize money to Gwent people. Mrs Flynn has played the lottery since the first draw in February 1995 and is one of around 8,500 members.

She said she had been a supporter of the organisation ever since she visited its day centre with her husband and was impressed with the work they undertook in the community.

"In 1997, I discovered I had breast cancer. Going through cancer myself really brought home to me the importance of organisations like St David's. The support they provide is vital."

Emma Saysell, the foundation's chief executive, said: "The lottery has grown to become a vital part of St David's income, providing almost 20 per cent of our running costs each year.

"Becoming a lottery player is a great way to support St David's - as well as contributing towards the charity, each week players have the chance of winning up to £1,500."

She added they were very grateful to people like Mrs Flynn who had played the lottery over the last 10 years.

St David's cares for 1,800 people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses every year throughout Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire and Caerphilly.

Its services cost £3.1 million to provide and more than 80 per cent is funded through the generosity of local people.