The Weirs scooped a massive EuroMillions jackpot of £161.6 million in July 2011 and went on to set up the Weir Charitable Trust so they could make a series of donations to local good causes. Having assisted various worthy projects, from dog rescue to women’s wheelchair basketball, they have now pledged £60,000 to the Polar Academy.
Based in Bo’ness, the Polar Academy takes teenagers who are ‘crushed by a lack of self-esteem’ and helps them to rediscover their confidence through training courses and physical challenges. The youngsters will finish off with a 10-day, 100km expedition in Eastern Greenland, pulling their kit on 45kg sledges.
Craig Mathieson, who founded the project four years ago, said: “I’m personally overwhelmed by the hugely generous financial support offered by The Weir Charitable Trust. Its support will directly impact on our commitment to use exploration to transform the physical and mental wellbeing of young people who feel invisible at school and plagued by feelings of anxiety and self-doubt.”
Supporting charitable projects is a popular option for many big lottery winners, whether it is EuroMillions players such as the Weirs or participants of other games across the world. The US Powerball is currently up to $650 million ahead of Wednesday night’s drawing, while EuroMillions stands at £39 million (€43 million) going into tonight’s draw.
If you want to get involved for your chance to win a fantastic prize, you can choose your numbers online now or go to an authorised retailer in a participating country. Good luck!