Lottery winnings are not just about money
Last Updated: Friday 25th September 2020, 15:08
In 1997, Barry Chunwen, should have had a fantastic year, he scooped a multi million pound win on the National Lottery jackpot. After a successful career in hairdressing, his lucky numbers came up big time on the nation’s favourite lottery. It seemed his future had changed for the better, for good.
In 2005, he heard the news that no prospective parent would ever want to hear.
His unborn child had developed a rare chromosomal condition known as Edwards Syndrome. After searching the world for specialist medical advice as far across the ocean as America, his lottery winnings could not help him with what he was to realise was the most important thing in his life. His wife Jenny lost the child.
Their lottery winnings initially had brought feelings of elation which had faded to a feeling of helplessness. Out of the midst of despair, Barry and his wife decided to start a charity to help special-needs children where the cash-strapped local authority and social services regrettably could not. The Teddy Bear foundation had begun its work in honour of his son. “Life is not just about money. Yes, it is a very nice luxury to have but it does not cure terminal illnesses or fix sick babies.", Barry related. Barry quickly organised a charity golfing event at Turnberry, that raised over £70,000 in a day. From that miraculous start, the Teddy Bear Foundation has quickly grown into one of the most dynamic charities in Scotland with just under £400,000 being distributed to schools and organisations which help children with special needs so far.
In the world where we play lottery knowing that the mainstream media often portrays the downside of lottery players, it’s refreshing to hear of this generous lottery winner who helps others. Remember that every time you buy tickets for the National Lottery you too are helping needy causes through the National Lottery’s Good Causes fund.
