North West lottery winners spread Christmas cheer to war veterans

Video report by ITV Granada Reports correspondent Paul Crone

Some of the North West's biggest National Lottery winners have been bringing festive cheer to veterans across Liverpool.

Sharon and Nigel Mather from Cheshire won £12.4M on the EuroMillions in 2010.

They have been spreading their good fortune this Christmas, gifting a giant luxury hamper filled with essentials and a few surprises to 104-year-old Tom Beevers.

They are not the only lottery winners making wishes come true this Christmas, joining them in giving away luxury hampers are four other winners who between them have won £22.3M.

Mr Beevers, from Maghull, served in the Second World War with the Desert Rats in North Africa.

The veteran who recently battled Covid, said he is now looking forward to this Christmas more than ever.

Tom was among a group of 14 veterans from across Liverpool who have had their Christmas wishes granted by the National Lottery winners this year.

All of the veterans receive regular contact and support from Everton in the Community which was awarded £275K of National Lottery funding last September. The money will be received by the charity over a period of five years.

The funding goes towards Everton Veterans’ Hub, which supports ex-service personnel’s transition into civilian life.

Dave Curtis, Veterans’ Project Coordinator at Everton in the Community, himself a veteran, added, “All of the veterans are totally overwhelmed with the generous gifts from the National Lottery winners.

“The winners have certainly made a real difference to Christmas this year for so many people.

Sharon, from Bowdon, said, “Our National Lottery win has bought us the time and opportunity to do lots of good for charity and wonderful things like this.

“We really hope the goodies, and the famous glasses which Tom loves, will make Christmas 2021 a very special one for Tom and the others!”