National Lottery Winners Help Celebrate Two Special Milestones at Cegin Hedyn Community Kitchen
In a heartwarming celebration, volunteers, donors, and suppliers at Cegin Hedyn Community Kitchen in Carmarthen were treated to a day to remember, thanks to a team of National Lottery winners. The event marked two major milestones: 30 years of The National Lottery and Cegin Hedyn’s second anniversary.
Cegin Hedyn, which has served over 10,000 meals since its inception, is dedicated to tackling food insecurity in Carmarthen. Founder Deri Reed highlighted the significance of community spirit in the project’s success, saying, “Cegin Hedyn was created to address food insecurity and bring people from all walks of life together over a meal. Today’s event encapsulates that sense of togetherness, and we’re grateful for the support of our volunteers, donors, and these National Lottery winners who have helped make this day special.”
A team of National Lottery winners, some with catering backgrounds, donned aprons to prepare a special lunch for the community, embracing Cegin Hedyn’s mission of offering a ‘pay-what-you-can’ vegan menu. Their enthusiasm didn’t stop in the kitchen, as other winners took charge of decorating the dining space, preparing gift bags, and mixing up mocktails to toast the double celebration.
Among the winners were Julie Amphlett, Louise Ward, and Sian Thomas – known as “The Catering Girls” – who famously won a EuroMillions jackpot in 2011. They were joined by Dave and Sarah Williams, Wales’ most recent National Lottery millionaires, who reflected on their journey and how thrilled they were to be part of such a meaningful event. Dave shared, “It’s been amazing meeting fellow winners and seeing how National Lottery funding supports community projects like Cegin Hedyn.”
This memorable day was about more than just celebration – it was a chance to recognise the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in Cegin Hedyn. As Deri noted, “The sense of fun and community today perfectly represents what we stand for. Here’s to many more years of Cegin Hedyn.”
Located in the heart of Carmarthen, Cegin Hedyn is more than just a community kitchen. It’s a project rooted in local, seasonal, and organic produce, committed to fostering a sense of belonging and connection through food. The project was awarded £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund, helping to nourish both body and soul in the community.
The day was a true celebration of community, kindness, and the power of food to bring people together. Here’s to many more years of success for both Cegin Hedyn and The National Lottery!