Overview
- A recent valuation put Neil Leighton’s Thomas the Tank Engine memorabilia at roughly the price of a reasonably priced steam locomotive, according to his account.
- He spent about £40,000 at auction on original models, sets and props from the TV series, with some pieces restored with help from friends.
- Leighton, from Hereford, won £1 million on the Cash Bolt Christmas Millionaire instant-win in December 2023, two days after downloading the National Lottery app.
- He also used the windfall for family holidays, a five-star villa trip with a yacht for 14 friends, and railway-themed fittings for his home.
- He volunteers with the Talyllyn Railway and helps run an annual Awdry event, with fundraising reported to have raised about £150,000 for the railway.