National Lottery Winner Reveals Surprising First Purchase After Quitting Job
A 60-year-old lorry driver from east London has revealed his first purchase after winning a £5.2 million jackpot in the National Lottery. Gary MacDonald, from Barking, had been playing the lottery every week since it started and said he was over the moon when he discovered he had won.
According to GB News, MacDonald’s life-changing moment began on a typical day, waking up at 5:20 am for his shift as a delivery driver at Lakeside Shopping Centre. However, after checking his phone, he received an email from the National Lottery, informing him that he had won the April 16 draw. Initially, MacDonald thought he had won £35, but upon re-reading the message, he realised he had won a staggering £5.2 million.
The news outlet GB News reported that MacDonald’s first purchase after becoming a millionaire was not a luxury item, but a practical one – a Shark vacuum cleaner. In an interview, MacDonald said, "We are not flash people; we are very down to earth and know the value of things." He admitted that despite his newfound wealth, he still "shopped around for the best deal."
As reported by GB News, MacDonald and his partner of 25 years, Anita, have been planning to get married in a civil partnership later this year. However, with their new fortune, they can now bring the date forward and host a more elaborate celebration. The couple, who are keen Formula One fans, are also planning to attend multiple races in person.
MacDonald’s winning numbers in the draw on April 16 were: 27, 36, 39, 48, 57 and 59. After discovering his win, MacDonald quickly decided to retire from his role at Lakeside Shopping Centre, saying, "It dawned on me there was absolutely no point in doing another day’s work, not today, not any day." He added, "So, at 6:30 am, I called my boss and resigned – I had been thinking about slowing down for the last five or six years."
As quoted in GB News, MacDonald said, "We both love Formula 1 and I never miss a race on TV. We follow all the British drivers. Even if it starts at 3 am, I’m up and watching it." The couple, who have always put others first, are now looking forward to treating themselves and trying new things. MacDonald said, "It will be amazing to have the time and money to now treat ourselves a little and maybe try something new. Just this morning I thought maybe I might try lawn bowls."
The National Lottery winner’s story is a testament to the life-changing power of a big win. As GB News reported, MacDonald’s win is a reminder that sometimes, it takes just one lucky break to change your life forever.
The couple’s plans for the future are exciting, and it’s clear that they will make the most of their good fortune. As MacDonald said, "We have worked hard all our lives and never really had time for hobbies or pastimes. Any spare time has been spent supporting others, we were brought up to put others first." With their newfound wealth, they can now focus on enjoying life and making the most of their time together.
Original source: GB News – National Lottery winner from London quits job after winning £5.2million jackpot https://www.gbnews.com/news/national-lottery-winner-london-quit-job-surprising-first-purchase
