The National Lottery is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

And it has been revealed that £18,726,173 has been awarded to good causes in Macclesfield since 1994.

This has been achieved through 612 individual grants, making a huge difference to arts, heritage, sport and community organisations and projects in the area.

Throughout the UK, there are thousands of people who have used National Lottery good causes funding to bring profound change, inspiration and joy to millions.

Macclesfield: Have you took part in The National Lottery recently?

And as part of their milestone celebrations The National Lottery are looking to hear from those who they have helped over the years.

The National Lottery have teamed up with former Royal Marine Commando and broadcaster, JJ Chalmers, has launched the search to find 30 people who have done extraordinary things over the last 30 years with the help of The National Lottery.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star is urging the public to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of inspirational individuals across the UK by nominating them as a National Lottery Game Changer.

The 37-year-old understands the importance of celebrating unsung heroes more than most. As a former Royal Marine Commando, he suffered horrific life-changing injuries whilst on active duty and has a remarkable story to tell. A former Lance Corporal with 42 Commando in the Royal Marines, JJ was blown up by an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2011 and suffered horrific injuries in the blast that killed two of his colleagues. Narrowly avoiding a double arm amputation, he lost two fingers, suffered face and leg injuries, and his right elbow completely disintegrated.

'Strictly Come Dancing' quarter-finalist JJ Chalmers.

He has faced a harrowing battle to recover, but, against all odds, he overcame adversity to win a gold medal at the Invictus Games in 2014 and has forged a successful broadcast career, becoming the first disabled presenter to host the Olympic Games. He is a Patron for the Help for Heroes charity, an Ambassador for The Invictus Games, and travels the country giving inspirational talks and motivational workshops to schools and businesses.

Urging people to get their National Lottery Game Changer nominations in, JJ said: "During my own recovery journey and involvement with the Invictus Games, I have encountered countless unsung heroes who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people around them."

"I think it's really important that we celebrate these inspirational individuals and thank them for all that they do. If you know somebody who has done something amazing with National Lottery funding over the last 30 years, then please take the time to nominate them as a National Lottery Game Changer."

Jonathan Tuchner, from the National Lottery, added: "Since it was established 30 years ago, the National Lottery has been able to strengthen local communities, power sports teams, preserve and celebrate our heritage, support environmental projects, unleash creative talent, empower the elderly, and unlock young people's potential. That's all thanks to the players.

Macclesfield good causes The National Lottery has recently supported include The Disability Information Bureau. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"As part of our 30th Birthday celebrations we want to honour those who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in their communities with the help of National Lottery funding".

National Lottery Game Changers will recognise outstanding people in the following categories:

• Arts
• Community
• Heritage
• Sport

30 inspirational individuals will be celebrated in the autumn with a showstopping moment of national recognition to mark their incredible efforts. Any person who has received National Lottery funding or is part of a National Lottery funded project is eligible for nomination.

Individual winners will be chosen by a judging panel made up of members from The National Lottery family and will win an iconic National Lottery Game Changers trophy.

To nominate a National Lottery Game Changer, complete an entry form through our website: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/gamechangers and follow National Lottery Good Causes social channels for more information. Entries must be received by midday on 17 June 2024.

The Bridgend Centre, of Palmerston Street, Bollington also recently benefitted from The National Lottery.

Recent Macclesfield-based causes The National Lottery has supported in Macclesfield in recent times include East Cheshire Hospice, who received £250,000 in winter 2023, Space4Autism, which received £289,080 in September 2023.

Bollington's The Bridgend Centre received £9,585 in April 2023, and Macclesfield's Speaking Up, Speaking Out received £10,000 in May 2023, and Park4All in Lyme Green received £3,585 for the King's Coronation.

Barnaby Festival also recieved £10,000 last year, Pierce Street's Disability Information Bureau recieved £297,832, and Brook Street youth charity Just Drop In were given £8,993 at the start of last year.

To view a full list of recent donors in the National Lottery database, please click HERE.