EuroMillions jackpot winner Frances Connolly has donated more than half of her £115 million windfall to charitable causes since winning the prize in 2019.
Frances Connolly and her husband, Paddy, won the £114.9 million jackpot on New Year’s Day in 2019. Immediately after receiving the funds, the Northern Ireland native established the PFC Trust to distribute resources to local organizations, sports clubs, and individuals in need. Over the past five years, the couple has systematically gifted a significant portion of their wealth, prioritizing local development and community relief over personal luxury.
In the United Kingdom, lottery jackpots are distributed as tax-free, single-payment lump sums. This tax-exempt status allowed the Connollys to access the entire £114.9 million immediately. Readers interested in how different jurisdictions handle lottery taxation can read more about UK EuroMillions tax rules.
The source of the Connolly family’s philanthropic drive
Before her lottery win, Frances Connolly worked as a teacher and a social worker in Northern Ireland. She attributes her charitable mindset to her upbringing and her late father’s values. Her father, an avid fan of country music, frequently spoke of American singer and philanthropist Dolly Parton, whose own charitable initiatives inspired Connolly to share her resources.
Following their win, the couple decided to forgo anonymity. While some lottery jurisdictions require winners to go public, UK National Lottery players can choose to remain hidden. To understand the different regulations across Europe, players can look into EuroMillions winner anonymity rules by country. The Connollys opted for publicity to openly manage their charity, the PFC Trust, which focuses on community needs in both Northern Ireland and Hartlepool, wy now reside.
Key community projects funded by the PFC Trust
The PFC Trust addresses local issues through targeted financial aid, equipment distribution, and community support programs. Key initiatives funded by the trust include:
- Loneliness prevention programs designed to help elderly residents remain connected using digital technology.
- Emergency food and essential supply deliveries during winter months and economic downturns.
- The purchase of specialized respite caravans to offer brief holidays for young carers and their families.
- The installation of public defibrillators in amateur sports clubs across Hartlepool and County Durham.
- Sponsorships for young, promising local athletes who lack the financial means to travel for competitions.
Celebrating milestones through the 60 for 60 Challenge
To mark her 60th birthday, Frances Connolly launched the “60 for 60 Challenge.” The campaign involved seven athletes who previously received support from the PFC Trust. These athletes completed a combined 60 miles of running, swimming, and cycling across multiple sporting events.
The event began with a community sports day in Middlesbrough on September 6 and concluded at the Great North Run on September 13. The Great North Run, held annually in Northeast England, is the largest half-marathon globally, attracting over 63,000 runners. The fundraising effort generated more than £20,000 for the PFC Trust to help sustain its community programs.
Understanding EuroMillions prize structures and odds
EuroMillions is a transnational lottery played across nine European countries: the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Austria. Draws take place every Tuesday and Friday evening in Paris. To participate, players must select five main numbers from 1 to 50 and two Lucky Stars from 1 to 12.
Achieving a jackpot win requires matching all seven numbers. To learn more about the rules, ticket prices, and prize tiers, you can read about how to win EuroMillions. The table below outlines the basic prize structure and mathematical odds for the primary prize tiers in a standard draw:
| Match Combination | Odds of Winning (per Entry) | Estimated Prize Share |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Main Numbers + 2 Lucky Stars | 1 in 139,838,160 | Jackpot (Starts at €17 Million) |
| 5 Main Numbers + 1 Lucky Star | 1 in 6,991,908 | €200,738 |
| 5 Main Numbers + 0 Lucky Stars | 1 in 3,107,515 | €20,851 |
| 4 Main Numbers + 2 Lucky Stars | 1 in 621,503 | €1,299 |
| Any 2 Numbers (Minimum Prize) | 1 in 22 | €4 |
Players can regularly check EuroMillions numbers after each drawing to verify if their tickets match any of these prize categories. For those located outside the participating countries, it is possible to buy lottery tickets online or purchase EuroMillions entries through licensed online ticket couriers.
Frequently asked questions
Are EuroMillions winnings taxed in the UK?
No. All National Lottery prizes in the UK, including EuroMillions jackpots, are paid out as tax-free lump sums. However, any bank interest generated by the winnings or subsequent investment income is subject to standard UK income and capital gains taxes.
How often do EuroMillions draws occur?
EuroMillions draws are held twice weekly, every Tuesday and Friday night at approximately 8:45 PM CET (7:45 PM GMT) in Paris, France.
Can EuroMillions winners choose to remain anonymous?
Yes. Players who win the EuroMillions jackpot in the UK, Ireland, France, and several other participating nations have the option to choose total anonymity. Some winners, like Frances and Paddy Connolly, opt for public disclosure to facilitate their charitable organizations.
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