Overview
- Neil Leighton, 26, from Hereford, won £1 million on a Cash Bolt Christmas Millionaire instant-win in 2023 two days after downloading the National Lottery app.
- He invested more than £40,000 in original Thomas the Tank Engine television props, including carriage models, sheds, buildings and other miniature set pieces.
- He says a recent appraisal puts the collection at about the price of a reasonably priced real steam engine.
- He initially considered buying a full-size locomotive but chose what he calls a wiser and more manageable investment in memorabilia.
- Since the win, he has supported heritage rail projects tied to Rev. W. Awdry and the Talyllyn Railway, with organisers reporting £150,000 recently raised.