East London Grandfather Celebrates Life-Changing Lottery Win
A recent lottery win has turned a lucky retired garbage collector into a millionaire. Steven Bennett, a 72-year-old grandad from East London, hit the EuroMillions jackpot for £1 million while enjoying a vacation on the Isle of Wight, a place he has cherished since childhood.
A Fortuitous Ticket Purchase
Steven’s winning moment came on May 2 when he purchased a ticket on a whim while on the island. “I sometimes buy a couple of Lucky Dips when I’m on the island but that really depends on the queue – if there is one then I won’t bother,” he explained. This time, however, there was no line, prompting him to buy a ticket. What started as a regular Friday ended in a remarkable way.
Discovering the Win
After forgetting about his ticket for a few days, Steven found it in his back pocket on Monday. Initially believing he had won £10,000, a second look revealed the life-altering amount of £1 million. “At that point it was very much a case of ‘Gordon Bennett!’ for Steven Bennett, and I promptly had a sit down and have a whiskey to calm down!” he shared.
Surprising Family with the Big News
Securing confirmation of his win required a series of checks as Steven couldn’t initially remember where he purchased the ticket. He cleverly used the time to devise a surprise for his family. “I like a little wind up of my family now and again and I didn’t tell them I was a millionaire straight away,” he said.
A Memorable Reveal
Rather than announcing his fortune immediately, Steven invited his family for a barbecue in East London, acting mysteriously. When his daughter Sally visited the next day, he finally revealed the news, which shocked the family. His sons, John and Tom, along with his seven grandchildren, learned about the win during a beach trip last week. “Family is everything. That’s why this win is for all of us, not just me,” he remarked.
Plans for the Future
With his newfound wealth, Steven is looking to secure a flat in Essex and a house on the Isle of Wight, a location laden with fond memories. “We can make some really special memories all together,” he noted about the significance of the island. Additionally, he aims to assist his children in securing their homes. “On the subject of the grandkids, it was priceless telling them on the beach – I’ll never forget the shock on their faces!”
Thoughts on Spending
While considering potential purchases for himself, such as a nice Rolex, Steven also emphasizes the importance of managing his funds wisely. “I want to take my time and let my money earn a little bit of interest too,” he concluded.
