A National Lottery millionaire from Crewe is spending her Christmas helping families in need at a South Cheshire food pantry.
Michele Jones, who scooped a £6.1million Lotto jackpot alongside her partner Kevin in 2016, has returned to volunteer at The Pantry@Sandbach Hub for what marks her third consecutive festive season.
The entirely volunteer-run pantry provides struggling households with essential supplies, including food, toiletries, books and toys during what can be an especially challenging period.
Each week, the hub assists more than 50 families across the region, with demand rising considerably as Christmas approaches.
Mrs Jones, who previously worked as a school classroom assistant before her lottery win, spoke about the significance of her volunteer work.
“Volunteering at the pantry is very special to me, and this will be my third festive season volunteering there,” she said.
“Winning the lottery has bought us time more than anything – the time to dedicate and support important charities like this, which do so much for the local community.
“I have really enjoyed spending the day wrapping presents for people, to take the pressure off this Christmas!”
Michele Jones pocketed £6.1million alongside her husband Kevin in 2016
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She added: “Supporting and giving back close to home is really important to us and we just hope that we are helping to make Christmas that little bit more special for those people who may be struggling at this time of the year.”
Mrs Jones emphasised that the pantry offers far more than basic provisions.
“It’s much more than just a food pantry. It’s an opportunity for people to connect to a community – a warm hub where members can have cups of tea, toast, cakes and talk to friends,” she said.
The hub operates every Thursday, opening from 10am until 3pm and again from 6pm to 7pm, with access available through referrals.
During the festive period, young visitors have the opportunity to select toys and books, bringing particular joy to the volunteer team who witness the delight on children’s faces when they make their choices.
Michele and Kevin, who previously drove buses for a living, claimed their jackpot following a particularly difficult period in which they lost everything during two burglaries over a single weekend.
Since that fortunate turn of events, the couple have dedicated their newfound freedom to charitable causes close to their hearts, both locally and beyond.
Ian Parsons, lead volunteer at The Pantry@Sandbach Hub, praised Michele’s commitment to the organisation.
“Michele has been volunteering at The Pantry since we opened in 2022, and is a much-loved member of the team!” he said.
“We help more families than ever around Christmas time and just love to see the smiles on children’s faces when they visit us and pick out toys and books.”
However, the National Lottery and its operator Allwyn have released details of the outstanding winnings, which include 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 National Lottery and its operator Allwyn have released details of the outstanding winnings, which include a £10million jackpot and multiple £1million prizes | GETTY“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.
