Changing lives

Changing lives

We love to celebrate the difference our funding makes to people and communities.

Find below our favourite heart-warming stories about real people and real lives, changed for the better by funds from National Lottery players.

Jaded in a park

Stories

Changing lives: Jade's journey from care to college

In her 22 years, Jade has experienced more hardship than most people encounter in a lifetime. Born to a heroin addict mother, Jade spent most of her childhood in the care system. Asked about the happy times in her childhood, Jade is unequivocal: the years living with her grandma in Trimdon village.
A woman stands in front of autumn trees

Stories

Changing lives: from hostage rescue to nature reserve

The UK’s first female bodyguard, Jacquie Davis’ career has spanned everything from protecting oligarchs to rescuing hostages. But one year ago, she took on a rather more peaceful job at National Lottery-funded Walthamstow Wetlands…
Tracy Norris yng Ngwarchodfa Natur Cors Dyfi

Stories

Changing lives: love of ospreys leads to new life for GP

A fascination with birds of prey has proved a life changer for 51-year-old Tracy Norris. The Hampshire GP was so enthralled with the ospreys nesting at a Welsh nature reserve that she has moved home and job to be near them.
Sean Dennedy outside

Stories

Changing lives: how Sean is helping others leave addiction behind

Right in the centre of Bristol, next to the busy bus station, is the city’s oldest building, the 900-year-old National Lottery-funded St James Priory Church. On the same site is St James House, a residential support centre for people recovering from addiction. Both are run by St James House Project
Two young men

Stories

Changing lives: volunteering helps Ben turn away from trouble

The youth club at the Galley Centre offered the young people of Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, a reason to keep off the streets and out of trouble. But when bored teenagers, including some of 17-year-old Ben's friends, vandalised the centre, the youth club was closed down. It left them with nothing to do

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