In the Surrey town of Leatherhead, former day service officer and fundraiser David Lawrence has a heartwarming story that may even bring a tear to your eye. For David Lawrence, his £1 million lottery prize on September 16, 2023, wasn’t just a prize. It helped him accomplish a lifelong aspiration: building David’s Putting Challenge at his back home, an endearing crazy golf course full of care and compassion.
Not All Lottery Winners Spend Their New Fortune on Luxury Purchases
Not all jackpot winners bolt for the priciest car dealership or embark on extravagant shopping sprees. Many also use their lucky lottery wins to support various causes they hold dear. They just understand that they were given a gift in life that can be used for more than their pure indulgence. They frequently invest in community projects and charity organizations or even form foundations for the purpose of providing aid to disadvantaged members and addressing important social matters.
For example, David Lawrence turned his lottery prize into a gift of happiness for others. Instead of throwing away his money on pleasures for himself, he built a golf course in the middle of his backyard that was perfect for people with disabilities. Let’s learn more details about this great gesture by David.
Wimbledon Winner of £1M Lottery Builds Golf Course for People with Disabilities in His Garden
An Inclusive Space for All
What David had in mind was to build a community where people with disabilities could enjoy the game of golf. This putting course is more than just a casual game; it’s a beacon of hope and inclusion. The course, comprising three creatively themed holes:
- The endearing Pudsey Bear honouring his fundraising achievements for Children In Need.
- A jungle-themed hole inspired by the favourite animals of his granddaughter.
- The Boccia Stadium to champion the Paralympic sport, provides a vibrant tapestry of fun and accessibility.
Welcoming Local Organizations
David’s idea has received renewed focus from local groups such as Leatherhead Swans, the South’s largest multi-activity sports club for people with disabilities, and Leatherhead Link, a day service supporting individuals suffering from learning disability. And folks from the Thursday Afternoon Group (TAG) — a meeting for people with complex needs — are also being invited to join in the fun. These groups get a chance to experience the magic that crazy golf—broader social opportunities, friendships, and a sense of belonging in an informal setting.
A Personal Mission
David has been a longtime supporter of charitable causes for more than 30 years and his dedication to the community never falters. He remembers about twenty years ago, supporting with a young man with learning disabilities who went from extreme introverted behaviour to engagement on a small putting green, and it has stuck with him. He said that memory was what he wanted to recreate—for children and adults.
Beyond the Green
David’s accomplishments stretch well beyond the fairways. His background is in sport coaching and he’s a level 2 qualified instructor, specializing in boccia. He knew how much it mattered to adults with social care needs to be physically involved. His dedication to fundraising continues unabated, with him hosting events for Children In Need in his garden. While the course presents different challenges than those of marathons, David believes it will still be a rewarding experience.
A Community Gem
David’s Putting Challenge is evidence of the strong sense of community and willingness among strangers to help one another. The Leatherhead Link Team Leader, Jane Giblin, believes this project is a “magical day out,” bringing the local community together in an invaluable sense. David Lawrence, one of the 7,200 millionaires spawned by the lottery since its first drawing in April 1994, has helped countless individuals. He is proof that some lucky lottery wins can serve as community jackpots.
