Frances Connolly, a 55-year-old from Hartlepool in County Durham, and her husband, Patrick, hit the jackpot and won a whopping £115 million ($145 million) in 2019.
However, Frances went against her and her husband’s budget and donated up to £11 million ($14 million) to charity. Initially, she and Patrick agreed that she would donate the money over a period of 10 years.
However, the former teacher and social worker had donated more than half of the EuroMillions jackpot to charity or complete strangers.
Overspending got the 55-year-old into trouble with her husband, but she felt she couldn’t hold back from helping people. “I can change people’s lives. I’m addicted to it,” she said.
When she first received money, people kept asking Frances, “How did you cope with that amount of money?” ” and she admitted, “I never did.” It wasn’t at the bank for two days. »
However, a charity budget meant to last until 2032 was spent in six months. But for Frances, the joy of having that kind of money was being able to help people whenever she wanted.
In fact, the former teacher said helping people lifted her up and gave her a “buzz,” but giving her time was just as satisfying for the 55-year-old.
She also admitted that spending money and time on others was more exciting to her than the $2.5 million house and an Aston Martin she bought.
In addition to the many things she did for people, Frances purchased a $63,000 caravan for young carers. The couple set up “Local Heroes” awards and helped OAPS (retirees) connect with their loved ones by donating electronic tablets.
The couple also donated pajamas and laptops to hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic. Frances always believed in helping deserving people; she remarked, “It makes no sense to me to have that kind of money and not use it to do good in the world.” »
