Millionaires continue to help others

Published on 12/07/2012 01:38

EuroMillions winners Chris and Colin Weir today said they would continue to “share their good luck” through a charitable trust as they celebrated the first anniversary of their massive £161 million jackpot win.

The couple, from Largs, North Ayrshire, are still the largest 
winners in the draw’s history, ranking them among the richest people in Scotland.

Mr Weir said: “It has been quite a year, exciting and challenging in equal measure, but we couldn’t be happier.

“There is still an overwhelming sense of good fortune – we were incredibly lucky and will never forget that.

“But, a year on, the biggest change in our life is that we can now support causes close to our hearts in a more meaningful way. It is a privilege to be in a position to see a situation where help is needed and be able to do something about it.”

The couple donated money to help refurbish sports facilities for the National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde and the Largs Thistle Community Club, and their generousity has helped secure the future of the 
Waverley, the world’s last ocean-going paddle steamer.

They have also helped raise funds for local 15-year-old tennis star Ross Wilson to attend a tennis academy in Barcelona and 15-year-old race driver Gregor Ramsay to attend the European and Italian F3 European Abarth.

Last year, they donated £1 million to the SNP’s independence campaign. Mr Weir added: “What we’ve done in the last 12 months is to achieve a balance between enjoying our new life to the full with recognising the real difference we can now make to others’ lives.

“We are currently in the process of setting up our charitable trust, which will support individuals, groups and charities across Scotland who are struggling to gain funds from the more traditional or mainstream grant makers.