Millionaire plumber makes ‘Secret’ visit

Thu 5th November 2009 11.12AM

CHARLIE Mullins, Britain’s first millionaire plumber, said goodbye to his luxury lifestyle to make a secret visit to Long Lane Garden Centre in Orford. Mullins, who worked his way to a multi-million pound fortune as the boss of a London plumbing empire, worked undercover as a volunteer, helping with practical jobs on the site; digging a drain, making wooden ornaments, and joining in with the day to day work alongside people with learning disabilities, and then confessed that he was the Secret Millionaire, and gave a donation of £20,000 to improve facilities on site.

The programme was later shown as part of Channel 4’s ‘Secret Millionaire’ series. Long Lane Garden Centre has only been running for two years, and has become a valued part of the community. Kath Jones, Project Coordinator, says: “It has been a hard graft, but worth it. “I am thrilled that due to this donation we will be able to give the 50 people a week who work here a better environment – the new toilet will be especially welcome! “I hope that this will encourage more local businesses to help us.” Charlie said it took him back to when he was starting out 40 years ago. “I used to think I had problems, but nothing comes close to the problems they face every day.

The people I met are truly the salt of the earth.” Long Lane Garden Centre is a part of Walton Lea Project, a local charity providing work experience and learning for adults with learning disabilities. The Garden Centre welcomes visitors Monday to Friday and sells winter bedding plants, hanging baskets, crafts and fresh local produce.