Lotto winners hand out Christmas hampers to lonely and elderly in York
Elaine and Rob Leason scooped the jackpot in 2005.
Last updated 29th Nov 2021
Special Christmas hampers are being dished out to the lonely and elderly in York today.
Lotto winners Elaine and Rob Leason who scooped the jackpot in 2005 are behind the gesture.
They've been doing it for several years now and just want to spread some Christmas cheer.
All of the recipients are supported by York Neighbours, a National Lottery-funded charity, which aids more than 475 vulnerable people across the city, enabling independence and reducing social isolation and loneliness.
Among the people to receive the hampers were 103-year-old former dental nurse, Eva Sessions. Eva set up a dental clinic offering free treatment to the most vulnerable members of her community during WW2.
She said, “York Neighbours has been a real lifeline for me. Without their support and the regular calls, I would be so lonely.
“I just could not believe it when Santa and his Elf arrived on my road today – Christmas has now well and truly started. And they didn’t just come to say hello, they brought me a huge hamper full of so many goodies. I absolutely can’t wait to open it and tuck in – Christmas really will be special for me this year thanks to this kind donation from these National Lottery winners.”
Elaine said: “The smile on Eva’s face when we handed the hamper over is something which we will never forget.
“We love to give back and having won The National Lottery this has bought us the time to do lots of good for charity and wonderful things like this.
“Christmas can be a very difficult time for lots of people. We are delighted to be supporting York Neighbours this year, making hampers and bringing early festive joy to those who may not have a Christmas filled with lots of cheer this year.”
Roni Robbins, coordinator at York Neighbours, said, “We cannot thank The National Lottery winners enough for their generosity.
“It is wonderful to know that many of our beneficiaries will have a more joyful Christmas this year thanks to these kind donations.”