Lottery Winner Gives Away $140M, Thanks Dolly Parton

A lottery winner who has given away half of her $140 million fortune says helping others is just what people do when they have enough.

Frances Connolly and her husband Paddy won the jackpot in 2019 and immediately set up the PFC Trust to support young athletes, older people facing loneliness, and families needing emergency help. The trust has funded respite caravans for young carers, equipped sports clubs with defibrillators, and delivered food to families in need across North East England.

Frances, who turns 60 this year, worked as a social worker and teacher before her win. She grew up helping others in Northern Ireland, long before she had millions to share.

She credits country music legend Dolly Parton as an inspiration for her giving. Parton, who passed away in January at 80, famously donated so much of her fortune to causes like child literacy that she could have been a billionaire.

"It depends on what you want in life," Frances told reporters. "I think it's in mankind to share when you get to a level where you've got enough."

Frances and Paddy still live large with nice holidays and a beautiful home in Teesside. But they stay value-conscious, buying a pre-owned Cartier watch and a used Aston Martin. "We have a lovely life," she said. "We just live it bigger."

For her 60th birthday, seven young athletes she's supported are completing a 60 for 60 Challenge. They'll run, swim, and cycle 60 miles total to raise money for the trust, ending with the Great North Run.

The Ripple Effect

Frances is quick to point out she doesn't work alone. She has hundreds of volunteers who bake cakes for fundraisers, sell raffle tickets, and show up for their annual charity ball.

"I can't cure poverty, and I certainly can't do everything on my own," she explained. "I think people just need to be asked, and they need that opportunity to change lives."

Paul Hewitson, one of the athletes taking on the Great North Run for the trust, said Frances has set an incredible example. He wanted to help show young people how vital sports and healthy living can be.

One grandmother's belief that sharing is human nature is transforming entire communities.