Scottish Couple Celebrate £14.6 Million Lotto Win
Last Updated: Tuesday 19th July 2016, 15:56
A couple from Renfrewshire in Scotland can look forward to a bright future after claiming a £14.6 million Lotto jackpot. John and Alison Doherty matched all six main numbers in the draw on Saturday 2nd July to win a stunning eight-figure sum and bring an end to a run of four rollovers.
They have now been presented with their cheque and have shared their story after waiting nearly a fortnight to come forward and have their claim validated. Instead of immediately rushing to collect their money, John and Alison decided to head off on a pre-booked family holiday. They have admitted, though, that they felt ‘gobsmacked’ when they found out they had won, adding: “We were totally overwhelmed, screamed and cried.”
John and Alison decided not to take their winning ticket abroad with them, preferring to stash it safely at home. She said: "I put the original ticket inside a hurricane lantern candle I have in my bedroom. I also made a photocopy and hid that in the box that John keeps his work boots in, just in case. I wasn't taking any chances."
The first person to be told the news was John’s twin sister, although she took some convincing, as Alison explained: “She thought we were phoning her up to come up for cake! John’s a practical joker so she absolutely didn’t believe us.” John and Alison also revealed that they would spend some of the money on going to watch Formula 1 motor races, and would also like to buy a new house.
The jackpot won by John and Alison has carried on a fine run of big Lotto winners in 2016 and is the fifth-largest prize picked up this year. There have been four occasions when a top prize in excess of £20 million has been given away, most incredibly on Saturday 9th January when two ticket holders split a record £66 million windfall, along with a host of other major successes. In April, a player won over £35 million, becoming the largest single prize winner in the history of the game.
A jackpot of £11.2 million was also won by one participant in the most recent Lotto draw on Saturday 16th July. Visit the Lotto Results section to find out all about recent draws and see if you are due a prize before looking ahead to the next game on Wednesday night. A jackpot of £2 million will be on offer if you fancy picking up a ticket or playing online, and you could be given the perfect summer present, just like John and Alison!