Oswaldtwistle woman wins holiday after winning competition

Diane Sharples won a dream holiday voucher worth £5,000, for any getaway booked via Chic Boutique Travel Positive Action. This was after entering Community’s (PAC) PAC Big Prize Draw.

The draw, which aimed to raise funds for people affected by youth homelessness, domestic abuse, and mental health challenges in East Lancashire.

Diane, who was overwhelmed when she found out, said: “I bought my tickets in August 2023 and had forgotten I had entered. I was so surprised to receive the email from PAC saying I had won!”

Diane Sharples Wins £5,000 in the PAC Big Prize Draw (Image: PAC Big Prize Draw)

Dianne plans to use the winnings to go on a family holiday, taking along a close friend who paid for a getaway for her and her partner while they were self-funding their studies and could not afford a holiday. “It will be nice to be able to return the favour to a friend that has been so kind to me in the past.”

A spokesperson for the company said: “A big congratulations to Dianne, and from everyone at PAC we wish her all the best in her holiday plans. The prize draw has been the biggest prize competition that PAC has ever run, and it has helped us raise thousands to support those in need across East Lancashire.”

The prize draw was made possible by four corporate sponsors who donated money and prizes to ensure that all the money raised went to the charity. The sponsors were Chic Boutique Travel, GB Integrated Systems, Pillow Lancashire, and Zest Document Solutions.

The second prize, a weekend away in the Peak District with amusement park tickets for a family, was provided by Pillow Lancashire and won by Lorraine Norwood which she plans to enjoy with her family. Third prize, £250 cash, was won by Bobby Bruce who says he is putting it towards the costs of their upcoming first holiday abroad.

Lisa, the owner of Chic Boutique Travel, said: “Congratulations to all the winners! Here at Chic Boutique, we are proud to sponsor PAC as a charity because they help so many people in the Rossendale area.”

Liz from Pillow Lancashire, said: “I discovered PAC around a year ago, and as soon as I heard about the vital work they were doing, including educating young people about positive and healthy relationships, I decided to become a supporter. I am pleased that I have helped to raise even more funds for this great charity.”

Leroy Philbrook, the community engagement officer from PAC, indicated, “PAC could not have run this prize draw without the sponsors, but the true heroes are the thousands of people who support the charity by buying tickets.

“I wish we could give a prize to every single person who entered the competition, but what I can say is that their donations are going to have a big impact in East Lancashire. Last year we had over 3,000 new referrals to PAC services, and we need continued support from businesses and the public, grant providers, and local governments to keep the charity going and continue working towards a better future for everyone in East Lancashire.”

Positive Action in the Community (PAC) is an East Lancashire based charity that has been supporting vulnerable individuals and families for more than 20 years.

The charity provides a range of specialist services, including safe accommodation, community based support, counselling, and the delivery of universal support to help those in need rebuild their lives and provide early intervention to prevent escalating needs. 

Any businesses who want to support PAC are invited to attend the PAC Charity Ball at Crow Wood Hotel and Spa on November 1.  Full information about the Ball can be found on www.p-a-c.org.uk/charity-fundraiser/.