26 December 2023 , 00:01
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Creative lottery winners are treating themselves to big-ticket items including a steam train and crazy golf course.
Locomotive-obsessed Neil Leighton won £1million on the National Lottery last month. Explaining his big plan, he said: “Ever since my grandpa took me to see my first steam train when I was three, I have been fascinated.” Neil, 24, also hopes to make Thomas the Tank Engine films at home in Hereford.
Fellow £1m winner David Lawrence, 67, struck gold in September and aims to build a crazy golf course at his home in Leatherhead, Surrey. But the charity fundraiser won’t play alone. He said: “Physically engaging activities help and inspire young adults with mental health and social care needs. My golf course will help those who can really benefit from it.”
Doris Stanbridge, a 70 year-old gran, won £10,000 a month for 30 years and has holidays planned now that she has retired. She said: “It still seems a bit strange when I think about the win and that I will get that money every month for 30 years. It gives me a reason to be around until I am 100.”
Karleen Reece and her husband Mark are going to treat their three children and then start the journey to fostering. Karleen said: “I’ve always wanted to foster children. Mark and I discussed it many years ago and then we had our own. My three kids will be leaving home soon and I have too much love to give. I’ve always wanted to foster but never had the right circumstances. The win will allow me to do this.”
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Andy Carter, from the National Lottery, said: “Whether it’s winners or funding good causes, lives are being changed every day - all with a little pink ticket. With every ticket raising money for National Lottery Good Causes, it’s great for players to know that they continue to make a difference to people and projects across the UK.”
This year the lottery has paid out a record £4.5billion, with the biggest winner scooping £111.7m.