Former Strictly Come Dancing star and Invictus Games gold medallist JJ Chalmers launches hunt for Dewsbury’s 'Game Changers'

During that time, a total of 749 individual grants have been given to arts, heritage, sport and community organisations and projects in the area.

As part of The National Lottery’s 30th birthday celebrations, former Royal Marine Commando and broadcaster, JJ Chalmers, has launched a search to find 30 people who have done extraordinary things over the last 30 years with the help of The National Lottery.

He is urging the public to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of inspirational individuals across the UK by nominating them as a National Lottery Game Changer.

As a former Royal Marine Commando, JJ suffered life-changing injuries while on active duty. He was blown up by an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2011 and suffered horrific injuries in the blast that killed two of his colleagues.

Narrowly avoiding a double arm amputation, he lost two fingers, suffered face and leg injuries, and his right elbow completely disintegrated.

He has faced a harrowing battle to recover, but, against all odds, he overcame adversity to win a gold medal at the Invictus Games in 2014 and has forged a successful broadcasting career, becoming the first disabled presenter to host the Olympic Games.

He is a patron for the Help for Heroes charity, an ambassador for The Invictus Games, and travels the country giving inspirational talks and motivational workshops to schools and businesses.

JJ said: “During my own recovery journey and involvement with the Invictus Games, I have encountered countless unsung heroes who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people around them.

“I think it’s really important that we celebrate these inspirational individuals and thank them for all that they do.

“If you know somebody who has done something amazing with National Lottery funding over the last 30 years, then please take the time to nominate them as a National Lottery Game Changer.”

Jonathan Tuchner, from the National Lottery, said: “Since it was established 30 years ago, The National Lottery has been able to strengthen local communities, power sports teams, preserve and celebrate our heritage, support environmental projects, unleash creative talent, empower the elderly and unlock young people's potential. That’s all thanks to the players.

“As part of our 30th birthday celebrations we want to honour those who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in their communities with the help of National Lottery funding.”

National Lottery Game Changers will recognise outstanding people in the following categories: Arts, community, heritage and sport.

Thirty inspirational individuals will be celebrated in the autumn with a moment of national recognition to mark their efforts. Any person who has received National Lottery funding or is part of a National Lottery funded project is eligible for nomination.

The winners will be chosen by a panel of judges.

To nominate a National Lottery Game Changer, complete an entry form through its website: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/gamechangers

Entries must be received by 12pm on June 17, 2024.