Neil Leighton, a passionate steam engine enthusiast, recently disclosed how he utilized his £1 million lottery jackpot to amass a collection of Thomas the Tank Engine memorabilia, now equating in value to an actual train. Initially intending to purchase a full-size locomotive post his 2023 win, the 26-year-old redirected £40,000 of his winnings towards acquiring toy trains from the beloved children’s classic. Neil expressed his satisfaction with this decision, highlighting the investment’s value equivalent to that of a modestly priced real steam engine.
Residing in Hereford and unmarried, Neil clinched his fortune through the Cash Bolt Christmas Millionaire game shortly after downloading the National Lottery app on his mobile device. He opted to indulge his friends in a lavish holiday and embellish his four-bedroom residence with train-themed decor. Notably, his abode now features a steam engine image in the entrance and a poster of Sir Topham Hat, a character from the Thomas the Tank Engine series, adorning the living room walls. However, Neil’s primary focus lay on acquiring props from the show, including models of carriages, main sheds, and various background structures, which he purchased at an auction for over £40,000.
Reflecting on his life post-winning moment, Neil recounted how his fascination with trains originated during a childhood outing with his late grandfather, Bynon. Grandad Bynon, a former farmer with a penchant for trains, instilled in Neil an enduring love for railways. Neil nostalgically recalled their steam train journey at the Severn Valley Railway and the cherished memories of his grandfather building him a train track to play with. Despite Bynon missing witnessing Neil’s lottery triumph before his passing in 2020, Neil finds solace in honoring his memory through his train-related ventures.
Neil’s serendipitous win on the Cash Bolt Christmas Millionaire Instant Win Game in December 2023 occurred while he conversed online with fellow train enthusiasts and fans of the iconic TV series character, Thomas the Tank Engine. His subsequent philanthropic endeavors include supporting train projects, preserving the legacy of Thomas the Tank Engine’s creator, Reverend W Awdry, and volunteering at the Talyllyn Railway in Wales, a source of inspiration for Awdry’s renowned narrow-gauge Thomas books. Neil actively participates in organizing the annual Awdry extravaganza event, where he helped raise £150,000 for the railway, attracting international visitors who recognize him both as a train aficionado and a National Lottery victor.