Life changing

Lotto winner makes heartfelt £1Million donation

When Peter Congdon won £13.5Million on Lotto in 2015, he knew right away that he wanted to give back to a charity close to his heart. His first decision as a newly-minted multi-millionaire was to do something for the Merlin MS Centre in Cornwall, in memory of his late wife Rosemary who suffered from the condition for 33 years.

The Merlin MS Centre's Primrose Hydrotherapy Pool was officially opened this month, with thanks to Peter, whose £1Million donation made the building of the special facility a reality. It now stands as a lasting tribute to his late wife Rosemary.

Lotto winner makes heartfelt £1M donation

Peter said, "Unfortunately Rosemary was never able to use the centre, though she did visit. I know that if she was still here she would have done exactly the same as me, as the pool will make such a difference for people like her."

Sophie Countess of Wessex officially opened the pool in February 2019 alongside Peter, the centre users, volunteers and staff as well as the Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Edward Bolitho and Merlin MS Centre Trustee, Sally-Jane Coode.

Hydrotherapy can improve the health and well-being of people with a range of neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's and the therapy team at the centre will now be able to deliver group and one-to-one sessions.

Peter said, "Hydrotherapy can be of enormous benefit to people and I am delighted to be able to fund this new facility and enhance the amazing service already provided by the Merlin MS Centre."

14th February 2019

The National Lottery has been changing the lives of winners and supporting good causes across the UK since 1994. In that time, there have been more than 7,000 new millionaires created and by playing The National Lottery you raise over £4 million for Good Causes every dayΔ.

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