Lottery Funding Helps Retired Nurse’s Bike Dream Come True
Last Updated: Thursday 24th September 2020, 11:04
As Lotto players eagerly anticipate tonight’s draw and the chance to land a jackpot of £8.6 million, they can also take heart from knowing that some of the money they spend on tickets will be put towards worthy causes. Local communities, heritage schemes and sports groups are among those to benefit, while the lives of many individuals are also transformed and this week it has emerged that one woman in her 70s finally got to ride a bike for the first time thanks to a project funded by the National Lottery.
Changing Gear, a charity which allows children and adults to experience the benefits of cycling, received £296,602 in 2014 as part of the Big Lottery Fund’s People and Places programme. Valbai Kresha, a retired nurse who had been born in India before coming to live and work in Cardiff, was given the chance to take part and seized it with both hands.
“I’ve always wanted to learn how to ride a bike and I was told about the Changing Gear project. After my 77th birthday last year, I decided to go for it because I think you are never too old to learn,” Valbai, who is now 78, told the Big Lottery Fund, adding that it was a great way to meet new people whilst becoming fitter and healthier.
More than £32 billion has been raised for good causes since the National Lottery was launched in 1994 and a new People’s Projects contest has just begun to let the public decide how £3 million from the Big Lottery Fund should be distributed. The National Lottery and commercial broadcaster ITV have compiled a shortlist of 95 worthwhile projects and the top three in each region will receive up to £50,000 in grants.
You will be contributing to good causes just by buying a ticket for tonight’s Lotto draw, as well as giving yourself an opportunity to land a wonderful prize. The jackpot has rolled over twice since a single participant scooped £6.7 million in the draw on Saturday 20th February, and all the latest Lotto Results can be found right here. If you fancy winning £8.6 million and helping a variety of local projects, you can play Lotto by entering online or visiting any authorised retailer. Good luck!