86-year-old pensioner Ray Wragg, now a widower, shares in the video above (click to view) that he and his late wife, Barbara, who passed away in 2018, refused to let their £7 million lottery victory alter their lives.
The couple matched six numbers in January 2000. Since then, countless individuals have benefited from their kindness while the Sheffield residents maintained a relatively humble lifestyle, even receiving a trophy from lottery organizers recognizing their charitable contributions.
Ray, a former roofer, along with Barbara – a dedicated nurse – allocated funds to family and friends as well as 17 charities, including hospitals in Sheffield. Barbara, who succumbed to sepsis in 2018 at the age of 77, had earlier mentioned that their lottery winnings felt “excessive for just two individuals.”
Lottery winnings didn’t alter our essence
Reflecting on their win nearly 25 years later, Ray asserts in the video interview that the financial windfall did not transform who they were as individuals.
He shared with the BBC: “I was employed, Barbara was working, and the children were earning too. We managed well. Like many families, we saved up. It enhanced our circumstances but didn’t change our core selves. That approach served us well. I still consider the cost of a pair of socks, you know.”
‘I still check the cost of socks’
To celebrate their win, Ray opened a can of Guinness while Barbara poured herself a glass of wine before they reached out to their children to share the exciting news.
As a devoted Sheffield United supporter, Ray, scheduled to work on a construction site in South Wales at 8 am the following Monday, called his supervisor to inform him of his absence.
That night, at age 62, Ray effectively stepped back from work, as did Barbara, who had dedicated 22 years to working night shifts at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
Ray’s first purchase from their winnings was a £52,000 white Range Rover, followed by a luxurious cruise around the Caribbean.
This marked the beginning of their long-lasting legacy of generosity, which eventually led to invitations to Buckingham Palace and the Pride of Britain awards.
They donated to local causes, including funding a bladder scanner for Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital and supporting Weston Park Hospital, where their daughter had received treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma.
The couple also provided 30 televisions so that each child in a local hospice could enjoy watching TV in their beds.
For six consecutive Christmases, they covered the costs for 250 children from an underprivileged inner-city school to attend Sheffield’s pantomime.
In 2010, Barbara recounted a memorable visit to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital breast clinic.
While waiting for her appointment, she spotted a donation pot and mentioned to the doctor during her consultation that she wished to contribute.
She recalled: “He inquired how much I wanted to donate, and I replied £5,000. He remarked, ‘That will fund my young lads’ research for a year.’”
Other organizations they supported included Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, the Meningitis Trust, and Help The Aged.
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In 2003, the couple assisted a group of World War II veterans on a trip to commemorate their fallen comrades.
Additionally, they funded 50 war heroes’ journey to Italy for the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 2004 after they faced difficulties in securing adequate funding.
Noteworthy causes they have supported: Meningitis Trust, Macmillan Nurses, Childline, Help The Aged, Help For Heroes, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Monte Cassino Veterans, Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Bents Green School Sheffield, Manor Boxing Boys and Girls Club, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Park Hill School Sheffield, Park Hill Lodge Sheffield, Help A Hallam Child, Norton House Country Club, and Breast Cancer Research led by Professor Malcom Reed at Sheffield University.
