Gillian Bayford, the £148m Lottery winner, buys new home for disabled boy, 4, and his ‘inspirational’ mum to live in
Gillian and her ex-husband won Britain's second biggest Lottery jackpot in 2012
A £148 million Lotto winner has bought a new home for a four-year-old disabled boy and his “inspirational” mum to live in – as well as promising to foot the bill of any adaptations.
Gillian Bayford and her ex-husband won Britain’s second biggest Lottery jackpot after playing Euromillions in 2012.
She was moved by Jenny McMillan’s inspiring fundraising efforts for son Blake and decided to help.
Jenny was reduced to tears when Gillian presented her with the keys to her new home in Carnoustie, Angus.
Her son Blake suffers from a rare and devastating neurological disorder called MECP2 Duplication Syndrome.
He cannot roll, walk, talk or sit, and needs 24-hour care.
He also has a weak immune system, often suffers from pneumonia and has seizures, which are becoming increasingly severe and frequent.
Jenny, Blake and his sister Faye struggle with the design of their current home.
So Gillian purchased a new, more suitable home for Jenny to rent from her property firm, and pledged to pay for any improvements needed.
Passionate fundraiser Jenny believes the move will give the whole family a new lease of life.
Gillian’s gesture means any funds raised by Jenny can go directly towards research into Blake’s condition.
Devoted mum Jenny said: “I was totally in awe that Gillian would do something like this.
“I’ll be paying rent but Gillian didn’t have to do something like this. She’s doing me a massive favour.
“I was in tears when she told me. I’m so grateful.
“I’ll be able to look after Blake in a safe and secure environment and it means the world.
“In this house I can always be within eye shot of Blake. Gillian has given me peace of mind.”
Gillian decided to help the family after being inspired by Jenny’s fundraising and campaigning.
Jenny runs fundraising store, Blake’s Bargains, two doors along from Gillian’s property business.
Gillian revealed: “Jenny came in and said she was looking for a house in the area and I said I’d keep an eye out for anything that came up.
“A couple of weeks later it came to light that a house on the high street was going back on the market.
“A&G Properties has offered, and she’s kindly accepted, that we will pay for the balance of the upgrade and work that needs to be carried out as a Christmas present, I suppose, to Blake.
“It then allows any money Jenny has fundraised to go to finding a treatment.
“Jenny is a complete inspiration. She works so hard and if the fact that I, and the girls here, can help bring Blake here then we’ll do it.”
Gillian continued: “Everyone in Carnoustie knows Blake. I think this will perk everyone in the town up.
“I contribute to a lot of children’s charities, however it’s nice to be doing something back in my home town. It’s such a wonderful cause.”
The family hope to be able to move into their new home in January.
In October it was revealed that Gillian’s ex-husband Adrian Bayford had evicted a disabled former friend following a row over a £250 rent increase.
Gillian has previously said the bumper Lotto win made her life a misery.
She and Adrian split after 15 months and she said she had not spoken to her family for a year, despite handing over £20 million.
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