JJ Chalmers starts search for 30 National Lottery heroes
JJ Chalmers knows exactly what it means to triumph over adversity. The former Royal Marine commando nearly died when he was caught in a bomb blast whilst on active duty in Afghanistan in 2011. He sustained life-changing injuries in the attack, but just three years later won a cycling gold medal at the Invictus Games.
Since then, the 37-year-old Scotsman has forged a successful career as a broadcaster. He was the first disabled presenter to host the Olympic Games and he danced his way to the quarter finals in the 18th series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Now, as part of the National Lottery’s 30th Birthday celebrations, JJ has launched a new initiative: the hunt for 30 people who have done extraordinary things over the last 30 years with the help of The National Lottery. He is urging the public to celebrate these inspirational individuals by nominating them as a National Lottery Game Changer.
JJ, who lost two fingers and suffered serious injuries to his face, leg and right elbow as a result of the bomb blast, said, “During my own recovery journey and involvement with the Invictus Games, I have encountered countless unsung heroes who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people around them. I think it’s really important that we celebrate these inspirational individuals and thank them for all that they do. If you know somebody who has done something amazing with National Lottery funding over the last 30 years, then please take the time to nominate them as a National Lottery Game Changer.”
A great deal has happened since the very first National Lottery draw took place on 19th November 1994. More than £49 billion has been raised for projects and charities making a huge difference to arts, heritage, sport and community organisations right across the United Kingdom.
National Lottery Game Changers will recognise outstanding people in the following categories: Arts, Community, Heritage and Sport. The 30 people who are chosen will be celebrated in the autumn with a show-stopping moment of national recognition.
Anyone who has received National Lottery funding or is part of a National Lottery-funded project can be nominated. The winners will be chosen by a judging panel made up of members from The National Lottery family and will each win a National Lottery Game Changers trophy.
To nominate a National Lottery Game Changer just fill out an entry form through our website at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/gamechangers. Make sure you follow National Lottery Good Causes social channels for more information.
Entries must be received by midday on 17th June 2024. Oh, and don’t forget to check out our National Lottery Game Changer video below.
4th June 2024
The National Lottery has been changing the lives of winners and supporting good causes across the UK since 1994. In that time, there have been more than 7,200 new millionaires created and by playing The National Lottery you raise over £4 million for Good Causes every dayΔ.
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