A humble builder who won a colossal £105 million Euromillions jackpot has channelled his fortune into an incredible act of kindness, funding a vital community centre for young adults with disabilities.
Steve Thomson, 48, from West Sussex, scooped one of Britain's biggest ever lottery payouts in 2019 but has remained grounded, using his wealth to address a cause close to his heart. The father-of-three has now transformed a derelict building in Chichester into a state-of-the-art base for charity Together Our Community (TOC).
From Personal Inspiration to Community Action
Steve's motivation stems from his family's personal experience with disability. He revealed, "My dad’s sister had severe Lumbar Scoliosis so I was raised to respect people with disabilities and to try and help where I can." This ethos was reinforced during his youth when he assisted his father, Peter, in teaching disabled youngsters to swim every week for two years.
"Dad’s kindness sowed the seeds of what I’m doing now," Steve explained, acknowledging the profound impact of those early lessons in compassion.
Building a Lifeline for Young Adults
The new three-storey centre in Chichester, West Sussex, is a direct response to a gap in local support services. Steve was moved by the plight of friends with children who have autism and other learning difficulties. "As soon as they turn 18 they are completely forgotten about," he said, highlighting the isolation faced by both young people and their parents.
The facility is comprehensively equipped to tackle this issue, featuring:
- A sensory room
- An open-plan classroom
- A training kitchen and café named the Boardwalk Cafe
- A boot room
Founded in partnership with Hilary Freeborough and Louise Collins of TOC, the centre provides a space for young people aged 18 to 35 to learn vital life skills, gain experience in hospitality, and build friendships in a safe environment.
A Hands-On Approach to Philanthropy
Steve's involvement began modestly during the lockdown when he was introduced to Hilary and Louise. His initial contribution was a second-hand minibus to help with transportation for work experience and day trips. However, he soon realised the charity's fundamental need for a permanent home.
"When Steve said ‘I’ve found the building for you’ we genuinely felt like we had won the jackpot ourselves," said Hilary Freeborough. She praised Steve's hands-on support, noting he didn't just write a cheque but was involved in everything from planning the layout to ensuring the correct circuit breakers were installed.
Louise Collins added, "Steve is so humble but we keep reminding him that his commitment to supporting us and the passion he has shown for TOC will be life changing for so many young people."
Despite his newfound wealth, which made him and his Slovakian wife, Lenka, 47, wealthier than celebrities like Harry Styles, Steve has strived to maintain a normal life. After the win, which he discovered three days after the draw on the Lottery's 25th anniversary, he famously promised to finish all his building jobs for free and initially continued working part-time to cope with the "emotional rollercoaster."
After securing his family's future with a 14.5-acre estate in Kent, Steve has now fully embraced his role as a benefactor. He plans to invite his 76-year-old father to the Boardwalk Café, bringing his family's legacy of kindness full circle. "I’ve met with the young people who will benefit from this new centre," Steve said, "and I’ve found it deeply moving and humbling."
