It could be you!

A group of lottery winners has teamed up to help others - after volunteering at a community organisation that supports new mothers and families struggling with the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby.

The team of National Lottery millionaire mums, dads and grandparents, spent a productive day supporting Baby Basics Lowestoft - as they helped spruce up donated buggies and cots, and prepared kits to give to newborn babies and their mothers.

Lowestoft Journal:

With the volunteer-led charity working with midwives, health visitors and professionals to provide essential items - such as tailored referral bags of cleaned and ironed baby clothes, Moses baskets and starter kits - to vulnerable women and families in need in the Lowestoft area.

Since being established in the town in 2016, Baby Basics Lowestoft is looking to the future - as they now "desperately need" new larger premises to cater for the growing demand of families in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth who are in need.

Lowestoft Journal: The lottery millionaire winners helping at Baby Basics Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe lottery millionaire winners helping at Baby Basics Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

And with demand for Baby Basics’ services growing, the organisation was boosted at its Gunton Baptist Church headquarters in Lowestoft by some National Lottery winners from across the region.

They packed "welcome to the world" kits for infants - including items such as nappies, bedding, clothing and a first toy - during their day with the charity, as others repaired some of the donated pushchairs and cots.

Lowestoft Journal:

The National Lottery winners also filled handmade wash bags for the new mums - which had each been lovingly sewn by local Lotto winner, Christine Howlett.

In 2004, Mrs Howlett and husband Graham, from Lowestoft, scooped £2.24m with a lucky dip ticket and this year they celebrate two decades as Lotto millionaires.

Working alongside them was Craig Harrison, from Lowestoft, who won £100,000 every month for a year on a National Lottery scratchcard he bought in December 2022 and Kerry Swatman, whose mum Jean won the £2 million Lotto jackpot in 2013.

Lowestoft Journal: Craig Harrison helping at Baby Basics Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesCraig Harrison helping at Baby Basics Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Also joining in to help the project was Charlotte and Daniel Peart (£1M) from Peterborough, as well as Tracy Field (£2.5M) and Katie and Antony Canty (£1M) from Essex.

Judith Goddard, co-ordinator of Baby Basics Lowestoft, said: "The men have been cleaning and repairing some of our prams and the ladies have been packing up baskets, sorting out toiletries.

"They have also made us some lovely little toiletry bags and brought in the items to put in - it has been a really good morning.

Lowestoft Journal: The logo for the charity Baby Basics in Lowestoft.The logo for the charity Baby Basics in Lowestoft. (Image: Baby Basics Lowestoft)

“We've enjoyed working with the local National Lottery winners and are touched that they have given up their time in this way.

"The careful attention today’s millionaire mums, dads and grandparents, have given to everything they have done reflects our values to a tee.

"Last year we did approximately 400 referrals, which is why we are actually outgrowing the space we have got.

"We only have this one room and a cupboard - so we are looking for some warehouse space so that we can work more efficiently and possibly help more people.

"We are now desperately in need of new larger premises so we can safely store everything and continue to help the growing number of families in need."

'We have all been amazed'

Lotto winner Mrs Howlett said: "It was so enjoyable sewing the little washbags knowing each one would be used by a new mum as she welcomes her baby to the world.

"We have all been amazed at the work of Baby Basics Lowestoft and the small team’s ability to create real and immediate solutions to help families who might be struggling."

Mr Harrison also said he was pleased to help.

"Hopefully local people will realise they are here and come and provide them with clothing, toys and items to help the people who need them," he said.

"They are looking for bigger premises, so if there is anybody out there who knows of a bigger premises then that would be much appreciated."

Contact Baby Basics Lowestoft via its Facebook page.