A National Lottery-winning couple from Warrington helped to host a special circus party for young carers at Blackpool Tower.
The event, which was held yesterday, Sunday, came as Carers Week 2022 drew to a close and was a chance for young carers – aged five to 17 – to enjoy a day of learning skills and take part in craft-making, balloon making and face painting.
Winners John and Patricia Gill, from Warrington, who won £1M in 2014, joined a group of winners from across the North West to host the party for 39 carers and their siblings.
They were among kind-hearted National Lottery winners, with a combined wealth of almost £40M, that hosted a giant circus-themed party.
During the afternoon of fun the carers aged from five to 17, had the opportunity to learn circus skills including juggling and plate spinning. The young carers also had the chance to take part in circus crafts, face painting, balloon making and even test their skills on a bucking bronco!
Andrew Gunn, Respite Lead at Blackpool Young Carers, said, “It really was an absolutely fantastic afternoon. We cannot thank the National Lottery winners enough.
“These carers work so tirelessly and it was so lovely to see them having an afternoon packed with so much fun. Just to see the smiles on their faces meant everything.
“It was wonderful for their parents and guardians to be able to sit back, relax and watch their children having so much fun – but actually learning new skills at the same time.”
One young carer, who looks after her mother and brother, added, “This was just the best day ever! I cannot believe I learned plate spinning! There were just so many great activities to choose from. I knew my mum was safe and it meant so much that she was actually able to be there with me seeing me having fun.”
John and Patricia Gill helped to organise the day.
Patricia said, “Young carers can so often be forgotten about – it is absolutely incredible what these young people do day in, day out. Being a mother myself, this actually brings tears to my eyes just hearing some of their stories.
“I am so pleased that myself and the other winners here today have been able to play a small part in bringing some joy into their lives. These are all amazing young people.”
Other winners joining John and Patricia, included: Sharon and Nigel Mather from Cheshire who won £12M on EuroMillions in 2010; Tracy Birkbeck, from Penrith, who won £369K on Lotto in 2013; Geoff and Hilary Bennette from Blackburn who won £3.5M on a Lotto Jackpot in 2011; Natalie and Andrew Cunliffe, from Blackpool, who won £1M on a scratchcard from The National Lottery Gamestore in 2016; Ruth Breen, from Wigan, who won £1M on EuroMillions in 2014; Kevin and Michele Jones, from Crewe, who won £6M on a Lotto Jackpot in 2016; Helen and Derek Garnett, from Ulverston, who won £1M on EuroMillions in 2017; Didzis Pirags, from Preston, who won £1M on an Instant Win Game in 2019; Emma Cartwright, from Formby, who scooped £6.5M on EuroMillions in 2009 and Ian and Sandra Black, from Carlisle, who won £2M on a National Lottery scratchcard earlier this year.
Blackpool Carers, which received £1.2M of National Lottery funding over the years, including most recently, a grant for £297,544 for their Family Focus project which will allow them to continue their work supporting the young carers of people affected by mental health and/or substance misuse and their families.
The charity helps to enhance the lives of carers by supporting them in creating friendships, helping them to feel less isolated and strengthening their resilience.
By playing any National Lottery game, players generate more than £30M each week for National Lottery-funded projects. This money helps support everything from the local charity making a difference where you live through to helping our nation’s athletes win Olympic and Paralympic gold medals. To date, over £45BN has been raised and distributed to National Lottery Good Causes through more than 660,000 individual grants.
