A Bradford health care worker drove off in a new luxury car today (Dec 22) after winning the top prize in a local NHS prize draw.

Grandmother-of-two, Carol Galacki, a cardiographer at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, collected her brand new BMW 1 Series Sport from Chairman David Richardson.

“When I got the call to say I’d won, I was totally speechless,” said Carol, 51. “I’ve never won anything in my life before so to win the car is just amazing.

“At first when I was told I’d won the car, I wasn’t sure if it was a joke but now it’s sunk in, it is great news and I can’t wait to get my hands on it! And neither can my family who have come with me to collect it.

“But never mind an early Christmas present, it’s also an early birthday present as I turn 52 on January 6.”

Carol, a mother-of-three who comes from Cleakheaton, was accompanied by her partner, Brian Booth and her two grandchildren, Bethany (14) and Courtney (9).

“They’ve come to help celebrate the win as they are over the moon for me. At one point the girls thought I was going to give the new car to their dad, but he’s just bought himself a new one so there’s no point in that!”

Carol has worked for the Trust for 10 years and sees cardiac patients at both St Luke’s Hospital and the Bradford Royal Infirmary.

She won the dream prize after taking part in the 50:50 staff lottery, a staff scheme and registered charity, run by Bradford’s hospitals, Bradford District Care Trust and NHS Bradford and Airedale.

Staff donate at least £1 a month to the lottery and cash prizes of £1000 are handed out every month. The draw also gives away a holiday every summer and a car at Christmas.

“I’m delighted to say my £1 a month has finally paid off,” Carol added. “I only work part-time so have to watch my money, but my dedication has finally paid off and I’d encourage other people to have a go themselves because you never know, it could be you next time.”

Around 3,000 NHS staff across Bradford take part in the lottery which has raised £500,000 for good causes and another £500,000 in membership prizes over its 20 year history.