A charity is "amazed" after being given a £50,000 donation from the Postcode Community Trust.
After a group of neighbours in Shoreham won the "Millionaire Street" prize draw in the People's Postcode Lottery, it was announced that charities, including the Sussex MS Centre, in Croft Avenue, Southwick, would also be getting a windfall.
This is because a third of the ticket price paid by players goes towards local charitable causes.
The centre, which helps improve the lives of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, said it will use the money for a variety of projects to benefit all its members.
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Emily-Jane Stuttard, centre manager, said: "It was a wonderful surprise to receive such huge support for our activities at this time.
"Being able to offer extra help to members, especially those who are more vulnerable or isolated, couldn’t be a better gift, not least when we’re about to celebrate the centre’s 40th anniversary.
"The money will be used for a variety of projects from supporting free counselling for members to setting up a bursary scheme to help those on low incomes, who might not otherwise be able to access the centre. It really will transform lives.”
The cash boost came after Crown Road lottery players won thousands each when postcode BN43 6GD was pulled out in the prize draw.
Among the winners were father and son Ken and Nigel McNeill, who picked up more than £133,000 each.
The MS centre, which was founded in 1984, receives minimal statutory funding and gets most of its income through members’ donations, charitable trusts and fundraising events.
Its next fundraising event will be on June 22 in Southwick Recreation Ground with stalls, bands and a dog show.
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