Dream Fund winners announced

Last night, charities from around the country were joined by actor and activist Emma Thompson for People's Postcode Lottery's annual Charity Gala at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Emma Thompson received a cheque for £500,000 on behalf of the Helen Bamber Foundation, of which she is president. The charity supports refugees and asylum seekers who have experienced extreme human cruelty, such as torture and human trafficking.

Emma said:

"Never have I felt more excited by the support of an organisation. People's Postcode Lottery offers financial help, yes, but even more than that, it provides extraordinary moral support."

The event was a celebration of the £93 Million raised for charities in 2017 by players of People's Postcode Lottery. At the Gala, People's Postcode Lottery also took the opportunity to announce that now a minimum of 32% of the ticket price goes to charities.

The two winners of People's Postcode Lottery's Dream Fund, which offers organisations the opportunity to apply for financial support to bring their dream project to life, were also announced on the night.

Wheels Of Change, led by charity Whizz Kidz, received £1 Million to radically improve the quality of life and life chances of young wheelchair users. Those involved in the project will develop a wheelchair for children that is ground-breaking, adaptable, and affordable.

Search Dog Heroes, led by Missing People, also received £1 Million. The project will develop specialised scent kits and search dog training. This will enable communities to respond more quickly when a vulnerable person goes missing.

Since 2005, players of People's Postcode Lottery have raised over £263 Million for over 4,000 good causes across Great Britain and internationally.