Over the years, we’ve seen many lottery winners who have used their fortune to build themselves an extravagant lifestyle, complete with luxury cars and state of the art mansions. But among them, we’ve also seen quite a few winners who have used their lottery millions to make the world a better place. Fred and Lesley Higgins and Gary McNamara are EuroMillions winners who are giving back to their community. Here are their amazing stories:
Fred and Lesley Higgins support local charities
Laurencekirk’s Fred and Lesley Higgins won £58 million on July 10th, 2018, with a ripped-up ticket no less. When Mr. Higgins checked his ticket, the shop assistant initially told him that he hadn’t won anything, so he tore up his ticket and threw it away. Then, the machine told them to contact Camelot, and they quickly got it retrieved it, as it was worth a EuroMillions fortune.
Now, the Higgins’ are meeting up with their lawyers to set up a charitable trust. When asked about the charities they would contribute to, Mrs. Higgins said “We don’t want to be too prescriptive about it. It would be local charities or smaller charities.” They said that they’ve helped out a few local charities in Laurencekirk and that they’re interested in a couple of more. Among these is the Air Ambulance Service.
There’s a lot of people who wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the Air Ambulance Service”, said Mr. Higgins. “My preference would also be towards helping young and younger people. I don’t mean just kids but anything between five and 25. It’s a difficult time of life.”
After their win, the Higgins’ said they would buy property abroad in Barbados or some other exotic location, but half a year later, they still live in their home in Laurencekirk. They plan to move to a five-bedroom home in the city, and they have also purchased a penthouse flat in Dundee overlooking River Tay. That is the extent of their eccentricity, as they still use their Tesco Clubcard and discount shopping vouchers. Fred and Lesley Higgins are true role models for lottery winners everywhere.
Gary McNamara is restoring derelict marina
The son of EuroMillions winner, Dolores McNamara, Gary, plans to restore a derelict marina in Ballina. At the moment, he is awaiting the planning permission to restore the old harbor in Tipperary village.
He has purchased the Killaloe Hotel and managed to save the jobs of those employed there. Mr. McNamara has serious plans with the marina, as he is ready to invest a whopping €2 million in the project.
There are a few residents who have expressed their concerns over light pollution, as well as other issues but the chairman of the Marine Village Residents’ Association, John Mullen, said that the majority of the residents are delighted about Mr. McNamara’s projects. In fact, they have signed a petition to show their support.
Gary has been great to communicate with the people and asked our opinions along the way. It will be the best inland marina in Ireland when it’s finished,” said Mr. Mullen.
Mr. McNamara and the Higgins’ set positive examples for lottery winners everywhere. With great wealth comes a great opportunity to do good and they have showed that it is a very fulfilling process. Congratulations to the kind-hearted EuroMillions winners!