Lottery winner Frances Connolly has stated that Dolly Parton was a significant inspiration for her charitable endeavours. Ms Connolly, who won £115m with her husband Paddy in 2019, established a trust to support good causes in the North East of England.
Ms Connolly described the singer, who died last month aged 80, as an "inspiration" for her philanthropy. She said: "I think it's in mankind to share when you get to a level where you've got enough."
The couple estimate they have donated about half of their winnings to charitable causes through their charity, PFC Trust. The trust has funded initiatives such as respite caravans for young carers, loneliness projects, and the provision of digital technology for older people.
To mark Ms Connolly's 60th birthday, seven athletes who have benefited from her support for young sporting talent will undertake a 60-mile challenge. This fundraising event for the PFC Trust is scheduled to begin at a family fun day at Middlesbrough Velodrome on Sunday.