Mega winners host party for lonely old folk
charity, revealed they are simply looking forward to moving back and spending a quiet Christmas at home with family.
That includes their daughters – with whom they split their lottery winnings.
The elderly couple also revealed they had told Tina, 55, and Karen, 52, that they always played for them, to secure their future.
The Banfields split the money three ways, Tina and Karen getting just over £6million each, with Dennis and Shirley keeping the remaining third for themselves.
Shirley said: “They have both bought new houses with their share of the money. It means a lot to us to know they are looked after.”
As to their own share, Shirley explained: “We’ve given a lot of it away in lump sums.
“We’ve been able to give to the cancer units, to the children’s hospital, as well as helping out our community in Winterbourne – and giving to the chapel and the community association.
“I wouldn’t say the money has changed us – it’s only prompted us to better other people.
“We can’t exactly go jetting off on a round-the-world adventure at our age.”
Dennis, who will be 88 on December 11, added: “It doesn’t mean anything to us, really.” However, when the couple won the £18,139,352 jackpot in February, Dennis had to wipe away tears of joy as his family revealed it was he who had bought the ticket form his local shop.
Dennis, who worked for 40 years at South Western Electricity Board, said at the time: “All that has ever mattered to Shirley and I is that the girls are OK. To know they are, is a wonderful feeling.” He added: “While I didn’t think I would be interested in a new car, it is rather tempting. “Although, with my dodgy knee, I might need to get a chauffeur to go with the car.”
■ The search for the winner of a £76million lotto prize is intensifying, with just days to go till the 5pm Sunday deadline. The winning ticket was bought in the Boston and Skegness region of Lincolnshire for the November 2 draw. FAMILY FORTUNES SPARKLING Guests Graham and Bronny Page with one of the Lotto-winning hosts LOTTO millionaires dipped into their riches to throw a Christmas party for 80 lonely elderly people.
The big-hearted bunch, with a joint fortune topping £50million, told of how they wanted to “give something back”.
Eleven winners and their families turned up for a day out to aid the charity With Music In Mind, which runs singing groups for elderly people left alone.
They booked a Rat Pack tribute troupe – and the pensioners clapped and danced as lookalike Franks Sinatras, Dean Martins and Sammy Davis Jnrs took them on a trip down memory lane at a hotel in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan.
One guest, widow Dilys Sutton, 87, said: “I’ve never been in the company of so many millionaires. I danced with one and I hope his good luck rubs off on me.”
Parkinson’s Disease sufferer Graham Page and his wife Bronny said: “It was lovely – everyone has been so generous.”
Among the benefactors were the TOP NOSH Old folk fill up at the buffet
daughters of Britain’s oldest Lottery winners Dennis and Shirley Banfield.
Now-retired nurse Karen said after partying with sister Tina and the OAPs: “This is my best spend so far. I enjoyed it as much as our guests.”
Ex-postman Matt Evans, 38, a winner of £2.6million, said: “It was lovely to give some old folk a day out.”
Publican Nigel Willetts, 53, who won £1million, said: “I’m in touch with other winners and we wanted to give a party for people who’d really appreciate it.”
Former hospital dinner lady Julie Amphlett, 51, whose work syndicate scooped £25million, said: “We all felt it would be a nice thing to do.”
Lotto organisers Camelot said: “The winners wanted to spread some festive joy and their guests had a great time, judging by the smiles on their faces.”
A separate charity party involving Lottery winners who opted for no publicity is being held in Cardiff Castle.