A Brecon couple have swapped lottery winnings for wrapping paper, volunteering at the ToyBox Project in Caerphilly to help pack and deliver Christmas giftboxes to children in need.

Richard and Faye Davies, who won £1 million on the EuroMillions in 2018, joined a team of National Lottery winners at the charity’s Bedwas hub, sorting, packing and wrapping toys for youngsters across South Wales. The project, which has been operating since 2020, supports thousands of children each year, providing toys to more than 9,000 children in 2024 alone.

The Davieses joined several other lottery winners volunteering their time and gifts, including couples and individuals from across Wales and the West of England. The ToyBox Project collects both new and pre-loved toys, partnering with local schools and community groups to ensure donations reach those most in need.

In between the packing, the winners met with some of the families who’ve been supported by the project to hear firsthand just how important it is, not just at Christmas.

Among the helpers was mum-of-five, Ceri-Ann Roscoe-Roberts from Llanberris, who won £1 million in 2023.

“As a mum of five, and especially before our amazing win, I know Christmas can be a tricky time so when I heard about the project, Paul and I jumped at the chance to help out,” she said.

“While they are busy year round, the volunteers have told us demand doubles at Christmas and they’re expecting to provide toys to more than 1,500 kids. We genuinely hope what we have done today helps make Christmas a little brighter for these kids and their families in South Wales. Seeing how much love and effort goes into ToyBox’s work is really inspiring - it reminds you what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.”

James Morgan from ToyBox Project said: “The National Lottery winners’ energy and enthusiasm have really brought the Christmas spirit alive!

“We are a completely volunteer-led project, so we always struggle, especially at this time of year, to get everything done. Having this extra help will really set us up for the Christmas rush and thanks to their help, and additional gifts, many children across South Wales will have a magical surprise to open this Christmas.

“Anyone who is keen to help us, in any way, would be very welcome as this will enable us to reach even more communities. We welcome donations of toys, time and, with costs rising and demand skyrocketing, financial contributions too.”