How Would You Spend A Large National Lottery Jackpot?
Last Updated: Wednesday 11th November 2020, 12:09
As EuroMillions and Lotto players set their sights on this weekend’s jackpots, a couple of big winners have been starting to make their dreams come true. A gardener from Kent is looking forward to moving home and starting a new business venture, while one of the largest EuroMillions winners of all time has returned to his roots.
Kent Gardener Thanks Lucky Parking Spot
James Evans, 30, won £3 million on the £250 Million Cash Spectacular game earlier this month, having been inspired to buy the National Lottery scratchcard by a conversation with a friend. He decided he would give it a go if there was somewhere to park close to his local store - Spar on New Romney High Street.
“Amazingly there was a space right outside so I took this as sign, popped in and bought my scratchcards and a drink,” he said. "When I looked back down and saw the £3mill symbol I didn’t believe it. I have to say I’ve once before read it wrong and thought I had a big win so was a bit suss and thought my mind was playing tricks again. I paused and then had another look, and thankfully the £3mill was still there!”
James and his partner JoJo had an anxious wait until the win was verified, but they are now excitedly making plans for the future, including buying a set of his and hers Mercedes, holidays to Thailand and France, and a new life in Cornwall.
“We’ve always dreamt about moving to Cornwall and in fact that’s what we were slowly working towards, now thanks to the win our daydream has been fast forwarded at warp speed!” said James. “We will start looking for a nice little farmhouse with some outbuildings and about an acre of land to call home. I will establish a maintenance business and JoJo a bakery in one of the little seaside villages.”
James has also set his sights on a possible trip to Russia if the England football team make it through to the final of the World Cup. He added: “Luck and fate have gone in my favour recently so maybe Moscow does await!”
New Record Store For EuroMillions Winner
New cars, homes and holidays are among the most popular ways to spend a lottery windfall, but a huge injection of cash can also allow you to pursue other passions. Adrian Bayford, who won a £148.6 million EuroMillions jackpot in 2012 with his wife Gillian, has spent a considerable amount of time and money on his love of music.
He opened a store called Black Barn Records in Cambridge after he won, and has now decided to set up a new branch of the business in Haverhill, on the same site where he used to work before he landed the massive jackpot. The store sells a range of products, from signed Beatles memorabilia to life-size cutouts of Hollywood stars.
Bayford, who remains the second-largest UK lottery winner behind Christine and Colin Weir of Largs in Ayrshire, was credited with saving the Cambridge Rock Festival last year after offering to host the event on the grounds of his £6 million estate. He is also set to be the executive producer for an upcoming album from British band Last Great Dreamers.
Could You Be The Next Big Winner?
If you have your own ideas for how you would like to spend a big National Lottery jackpot, you can get involved now to try and really kick-start your summer. Find out about the latest National Lottery Scratchcard Prizes if you fancy following in the footsteps of James and JoJo, or have a go at winning Lotto or EuroMillions.
The Lotto jackpot stands at £5 million following a rollover on Wednesday night, while EuroMillions is up to £31 million. Join an online syndicate now to boost your chances of winning, and you might soon be able to do more than dream about how you would splash the cash. Good luck!