He wins over $140 million in the Euromillions lottery and his first act restores faith in humanity: “I knew where to help”
A British bricklayer showed an act of generosity to help those who need it most after landing the Euromillions jackpot in 2019.
Winning the EuroMillions jackpot is the ultimate dream for millions across Europe. For most, it’s a fantasy so far out of reach that it feels impossible (the odds of correctly picking the winning five numbers and two stars are 1 in 139,838,160...). And even if it did happen, the first thoughts usually involve luxury homes, exotic vacations, or early retirement. Few imagine pouring that fortune into a charitable cause.
But that’s exactly what Steve Thomson, a British construction worker, did after hitting a massive jackpot in 2019 worth €123 million—about $134 million.
From jackpot to generosity
Instead of spending it all on himself, Thomson invested part of his winnings into transforming an abandoned building in Chichester, a city in southern England, into the headquarters of a nonprofit. The organization is dedicated to helping young adults with disabilities, giving them a safe space to learn life skills, make friends, and build a brighter future.
“After I won, I knew exactly where I wanted to help,” Thomson told The Mirror. “Some of my friends have sons and daughters with autism and other learning difficulties, and there was nowhere in the area where they could meet safely, learn skills, and make friends.”
Filling a critical gap
Thomson highlighted a harsh reality: once young people with disabilities turn 18, many lose access to structured support unless they’re lucky enough to secure a funded spot at a university program. Parents often have to quit their jobs to care for their children full-time.
His nonprofit aims to change that, offering opportunities for independence and community that otherwise wouldn’t exist.
Thomson’s story is a rare reminder that lottery winnings don’t just change one life—they can change entire communities. By turning his windfall into a lifeline for families in need, he’s proving that generosity can be the most powerful jackpot of all.
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