Lotto millionaire David still prefers to ‘putt’ others first

The 68-year-old grandfather from Leatherhead, who won a £1MMillion Lotto prize in September 2023, staged ‘Dave’s Putting Challenge’ in the garden of the new home he bought with his wife Jacqui. Players came from Leatherhead Link (Mid Surrey Mencap), TAG (Thursday Afternoon Group, an inclusive gathering for people with learning disabilities supported by The United Reform Church, Dorking) and the Leatherhead Swans (the largest multi-activity sports club for the disabled in the South of England).

David said, “On top of winning The National Lottery, this is also like another dream coming true. I can’t believe we did it! I really hope that everyone thoroughly enjoys playing and experiencing the course.”

David, who has been raising funds and helping people with disabilities for 30 years, first became aware of the benefits of crazy golf when he provided support services to a young man with learning difficulties. David said, “He was always very introverted except for the occasions we visited a local couple who had a small putting green in their garden and he would really come out of his shell.

“That was probably 20 years ago but I still remember the look of sheer joy on his face. If ‘Dave’s Putting Challenge’ can help and inspire children and adults with learning difficulties and social care needs in the same way, that’s like winning The National Lottery every time.”

The three-hole course David has built in his back garden reflects his hobbies and interests. For example, the second hole has a jungle theme highlighting David’s love of the outdoors. Players have to navigate their way around some of his favourite animals including a crocodile!

The final hole is the Boccia Stadium. David explained, “I am a big believer in the benefits of physically engaging activity for adults with social care needs, and as a Level 2 trained instructor in the all-inclusive Paralympic sport of Boccia, it felt very appropriate to have Boccia represented on the course.”

When David won his amazing £1MMillion prize he joined a lucky group: the more than 7,200 people who have become millionaires since the launch of The National Lottery 30 years ago.

National Lottery players generate £30MMillion each week for National Lottery-funded projects and more than 690,000 grants - recipients range from local charities making a difference where you live to our nation’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes – have been made since the first draw was held in 1994.

1st October 2024