Hailing from Hartlepool, Patrick and Frances Connolly, aged 60 and 58, won a jackpot of £114,969,775 in 2019 and planned to give most of the money to charitable causes with Mrs Connolly saying she was “addicted” to helping others.
Now the couple are embarking on their next journey after buying a stake of around 25 per cent in Durham Women FC, with plans to build a new stadium for the Championship outfit on the list of priorities.
Club insiders suggest the investment will allow the club to become a more sustainable Championship-level club and enable them to look up the pyramid rather than over their shoulders like last season’s flirtation with relegation.
“We’ve been incredibly impressed by Durham Women FC’s dedication both on the pitch and in the community and we have been huge supporters for a number of years now,” Patrick and Frances Connolly said.
Club director Lee Sanders alongside co-director Dawn Hepple will become larger shareholders after a ‘strategic move’ which no longer involves Durham University at an ownership level.
Lee Sanders said: “We are delighted to finalise this change in ownership, the first stage of which is welcoming Patrick and Frances. They have been unbelievable supporters of the football club and we will work closely with them on the next stage of investment.
“This move will also allow us to attract further significant investment into the squad, the staff, the infrastructure, and a longer-term playing facility for the football club.
“As one of only two independent clubs in the women’s professional game, it’s exciting to think where this next stage of our journey will take us.”
“We are now excited to have a bigger role in helping Durham Women FC reach new heights, with a target to deliver a sustainable future and inspire the next generation of female athletes.”
Sitting 4th in the Women’s Championship after an impressive start to the season, Durham are looking for an equally strong end to their campaign to continue their fight for promotion to the WSL.
(Image: Durham Women) Recommended reading
An exciting new era begins…
We are delighted to confirm a change in ownership at Durham Women FC – as we announce a new board of directors and the first stage of investment in the club.
Full story 🗞️👇
— Durham Women FC (@DurhamWFC) February 12, 2025
As one of two clubs in the Championship not tied to a men’s team, Durham are a rare beast.
The other, London City Lionesses was also the subject of a takeover in 2023 after American Michele Kang bought the club. Kang also owns San Diego Spirit in the USA’s NWSL and French giants Lyon.
Durham compete with Sunderland and Newcastle in the Women’s Championship with all three clubs ambitious to reach the top-tier.
