Happy New Millionaire! Yorkshire man’s £1MMillion New Year’s Eve surprise

The 56-year-old, who has worked for the NHS for more than 10 years, was enjoying a New Year’s Eve celebration with his family when he decided to check his tickets for the 31st December 2024 EuroMillions draw. Minutes before Big Ben chimed, he found out he’d become a National Lottery millionaire.

Andy said, “I’ll admit I’ve had some memorable New Year’s Eves, but nothing comes close to this. I was just about to do another round of drinks for the midnight cheers when I, slightly bizarrely, decided to check my tickets online.

“I thought the EuroMillions Millionaire Maker code matched but, as I didn’t have my glasses on, I couldn’t be sure so handed the ticket to my stepdaughter. She scanned the ticket on her National Lottery app and as a £1MMillion win popped up, we both just started laughing.”

When Andy’s fiance Mandy walked into the living room he told her "I think we’re millionaires". She replied, "don’t be so stupid!"

Andy said, “The rest of the evening is a blur. I don’t think we even wished anyone a Happy New Year as we just checked and rechecked the ticket. It was so surreal we, couldn’t help but laugh.”

Even after the amazing win was confirmed, it took a while to sink in. Andy said, “I knew it’s possible to win and I always hoped I would. But I just couldn’t take it in that I’d spent £2.50 on a Lucky Dip ticket and was now a millionaire!”

Andy, who works as a specialist medical delivery driver, shared his incredible news with his NHS colleagues by sending them a screenshot of the win, with the message ‘Happy New Year, I’ve won The National Lottery’. Naturally, there were congratulations and a fair bit of banter when he went to work the next day.

Andy and Mandy, who got engaged last year and will be married in May 2025, have had an offer accepted on a new home and are looking forward to exploring the UK in a recently purchased VW Campervan. Andy said, “I can’t wait to pack up the camper on a Friday night, with our beloved dog Bella on board, and hit the open road for the weekend.”

Andy loves his job and has no intention of giving up work. He said, “I enjoy what I do and I’ve worked all my life, so see no need to stop.”

The couple are looking forward to some exciting holidays, however. As well as their adventures in the Campervan, they’re planning to go on more cruises. Andy said, “We’ve enjoyed trips around the Caribbean and Mediterranean and it was on our Italian cruise that I surprised Mandy with an engagement ring at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Perhaps we’ll go back again on our first wedding anniversary, or maybe further afield. It’s crazy to think the world is our oyster!”

22nd January 2025