A Yorkshire couple who scooped £1.4million in the National Lottery have spent decades spreading festive joy while dressed as Father Christmas and his helper.
Elaine and Rob Leason hit the jackpot in July 2005 when Elaine’s Tesco work syndicate shared an £18.2million prize pot.
Among the first things Elaine bought with her winnings was a high-quality Santa costume for Rob, ready for the following Christmas season.
The pair, who describe themselves as Christmas enthusiasts, have dedicated their time since the win to charitable causes, regularly donning their festive outfits to hand out presents across their local area.
The Leasons’ charitable efforts stretch back nearly three decades, long predating their lottery fortune.
Their volunteer work has taken them across the country, from participating in coastal clean-up operations in Northumberland to helping with gardening initiatives at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
Closer to home, the couple have visited numerous schools and community organisations throughout the region.
They have also supported York Neighbours, a charity helping isolated elderly residents, by delivering hampers and gifts during the festive period.
Among the first things Elaine bought with her winnings was a high-quality Santa costume for Rob, ready for the following Christmas season
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Since their windfall, the pair say they have been able to commit even more time to supporting good causes in their community.
This Christmas, the couple arrived at the Yorkshire Wolds branch of the Riding for the Disabled Association aboard their specially made sleigh to present gifts to young participants.
Elaine said: “We are delighted to be donating to the Yorkshire Wolds Riding for the Disabled Association this Christmas.
“The work they do is truly life-changing, boosting mental and physical health, confidence and life skills for so many people.”
The RDA provides support to more than 39,000 disabled children and adults across Britain through riding, carriage driving and equine-assisted activities.
Gill Butler, chairwoman and coach at the Yorkshire Wolds group, said: “We’re over the moon to have Santa and his elf spare some time at their busiest time of year.”
However, millions of other Britons will be hoping to secure a jackpot prize this Christmas.
A Euromillions jackpot of £35million is up for grabs later today.
Meanwhile, one lucky winner could cash in on £10,000 every month for the next 30 years in the Set for Life draw tonight.
The National Lottery is also searching for six winners to come forward after issuing a warning ahead of Christmas.
Details of the outstanding winnings were released by the National Lottery and its operator Allwyn, which included a £10million jackpot and multiple £1million prizes.
The National Lottery stated: “The big prizes below have either not been claimed, or have not yet been validated and paid.
The couple have also been helping out with charitable causes
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“We hope a lucky player comes forward in time but if a valid claim is not received within 180 days (around six months) of the draw date, the prize and any interest earned on it will go to benefit National Lottery Projects across the UK.”
The most significant outstanding prize is a £10million Lotto jackpot purchased somewhere in the Bexley area.
This life-changing sum was won on October 4, 2025, in draw number 3116, with the fortunate ticket holder matching all six main numbers.
The winning combination was 6, 8, 12, 33, 49 and 59, with 42 as the bonus ball.
Whoever holds this ticket has until April 2, 2026 to come forward and validate their claim.
