Frances Connolly, 60, won a £115 million EuroMillions jackpot in 2019 with her husband, Paddy. She has since donated approximately £60 million to various causes through their PFC Trust. Connolly, a former social worker and teacher, stated that her philanthropic efforts were inspired by Dolly Parton's generosity, noting that the singer had given away much of her wealth to charitable causes.
"It depends on what you want in life," Connolly said. "If your ambition is to be the richest person in the world and be influencing presidents, then you need to keep all your money, or you need to keep a lot of your money. But I don't know anybody who doesn't share something. I think it's in mankind to share when you get to a level where you've got enough."
The PFC Trust, named after the couple, has supported initiatives such as providing respite caravans for young carers, funding projects to combat loneliness, and supplying digital technology to older individuals. The trust has also distributed emergency food parcels and funded defibrillators for sports clubs.
In honor of Connolly's 60th birthday, seven athletes who have benefited from her support for young sporting talent are undertaking a series of challenges to raise funds for the PFC Trust. These events are part of a broader effort that includes a family fun day at Middlesbrough Velodrome and a team participating in the Great North Run.
Connolly, who grew up in Northern Ireland, had a history of helping others even before her lottery win. Her father was a fan of country music, with Dolly Parton being one of his favorite artists. Connolly views Parton, who died last month at the age of 80, as a significant inspiration for her charitable work.