Charity ambassadors including David Attenborough and Emma Thompson celebrate major achievement.
Charity ambassadors including David Attenborough and Emma Thompson have thanked People’s Postcode Lottery players after it was revealed they have raised more than half a billion pounds for good causes.
The lottery, headquartered in Edinburgh, was launched in Scotland in 2008 and began operating across the whole of Britain two years later.
More than 7,500 organisations have received funding from the lottery, ranging from community groups to national organisations such as Maggie’s, WWF and Dogs Trust.
Charities have now lined up to thank the lottery for its support.
Naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery for the remarkable contribution they make to conservation and other charitable causes, which as of today has totalled £500 million – a truly staggering amount.
“As a vice-president of Fauna & Flora International – one of the many charities that benefit from players’ support – I understand very well just what this support means for our planet’s most threatened species and ecosystems.”
Actor and director Dame Emma Thompson, an ambassador for the Helen Bamber Foundation, added: “I really do not know where we would be without the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery - my gratitude to them for their generosity knows no bounds. They have helped the Helen Bamber Foundation achieve more than I can possibly describe.”
In addition to Sir David and Dame Emma, other high profile celebrities including the Hollywood actor George Clooney, the Oscar winner Olivia Colman, and the BAFTA winner Carey Mulligan have also sent their thanks to the millions of players who take part in People’s Postcode Lottery every month.
Cancer support charity Maggie’s was one of the first charities to benefit from support from the lottery. Chief executive Laura Lee said: “For players of People’s Postcode Lottery to have raised £500 million for good causes such as Maggie’s is phenomenal.
“I am so grateful for their continued generosity for over 10 years as it has helped us to provide life changing support for thousands of people living with cancer across Britain.”
Also benefiting from lottery funds is the PDSA, whose director general Jan McLoughlin said: “Since 2013, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have provided incredible support to PDSA, enabling us to deliver vital lifesaving veterinary care.”
Clara Govier, managing director at People’s Postcode Lottery, thanked players for making a “real difference to people’s lives.”
She added: “My message to those millions of players is simple – a heartfelt thank you. People’s Postcode Lottery was created to raise funds for charities and good causes, and we’ll continue to work tirelessly to do exactly that.”
