Ray and Barbara Wragg won the National Lottery jackpot of £7.6m in January 2000, changing their lives in unimaginable ways. Barbara checked the TV for the results while Ray sat beside her, listening to her updates. What started as a hopeful moment with three matching numbers soon turned into a life-changing moment when they discovered they had matched all six numbers.
The Wraggs’ first purchase after winning the jackpot was a Range Rover, and they spent most of their summers on cruises. A few tens of thousands were given to their children, and around £12,000 was used to bring World War II veterans to Monte Cassino in Italy in 2004.
The couple’s philanthropy was also the talk of the town. They donated most of their winnings, earning a rebuke from their financial advisor. With kindness in their hearts, they gave most of their winnings to the hospital where Barbara had worked for Two decades.
Ray is now 87 and still goes swimming at his local leisure centre three times a week and still attends Sheffield United games. He insists that people haven’t given him any trouble since he won. Instead, they would approach him in the street and rub his shoulders for good fortune and thank him for all he has done for the kids.
The couple’s philanthropy earned them a special trophy from Camelot in 2002, as well as invitations to Buckingham Palace and the Pride of Britain Awards. They had the privilege of meeting several high-profile celebrities, including Ainsley Harriott, the Coronation Street cast, and Princess Diana’s former butler.
The Wraggs’ lottery win helped them change their lives, but not their personalities. Ray continues to check the price of socks, and he and Barbara have always remained humble and grounded, never forgetting their roots
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