THE National Lottery celebrated its 18th birthday this week by crossing the £29bn landmark raised for good causes across the UK.

Since the first draw in 1994, more than 1,000 grants have been awarded in Oxford, funding a variety of arts, charity, education, health, sports, heritage and environment projects. Among the major projects is the Ashmolean Museum, in Beaumont Street, which recently received £6m.

However, the majority of grants are for £10,000 or less – making a massive difference to every community.

For example, Oxford Hoops Basketball Club has just been awarded £6,000 to run healthy lifestyle workshops for young people. National Lottery players raise more than £30m every week for good causes.

Lottery players should be proud that their funding has changed so many people’s lives.

We look forward to another prosperous 18 years.

JACKIE O’SULLIVAN National Lottery Good Causes London