National Lottery players raise record £179 million for the nation

After the excitement of the must-be-won Lotto draw gripped the nation, this money will benefit brilliant projects in communities across the UK. The huge sum, which will support community, sports, heritage and arts projects amounts to a massive £1.5MMillion for every postcode area in the UK.

Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon helped celebrate the news and thank every single player at London’s Jimi Hendrix Museum. The house where he lived has been restored and recently reopened to the public, thanks to £1.2 million in National Lottery funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Alesha said, "National Lottery players have just written a massive cheque for the nation. It will make such a difference to arts, sport, heritage and community groups. Everyone who plays The National Lottery should feel proud they are supporting so many people, of all ages, to develop their talents."

Alesha was joined by a group of talented people from a diverse range of groups that have benefited from National Lottery funding including Mary Callaghan, a Tai Chi instructor with Open Age, which champions an active life for older people.

Mary said, "Through funding from The National Lottery charities like Open Age are able to provide a variety of classes for older people. Attending an exercise class is far more than keeping fit, it increases a sense of well-being, provides opportunities to form new friendships and enhances the rest of the week. Thanks to The National Lottery for helping to put smiles on so many faces."