Full steam ahead as ex-seafarer wins £1MMillion Scratchard prize

Alan Wilcock saw the world in the 15 years he spent in the Merchant Navy. Now, with the help of his fantastic prize, he’s looking forward to navigating dry land in style.

Alan said, “I’d like a new set of wheels... in the form of a brand-new mobility scooter! My current one does the job to an extent, but now I can choose exactly the right one for me. Retaining my freedom and independence is priceless.”

In keeping with his many years of seafaring, Alan celebrated his win on the SS Great Britain, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s iconic 19th century steamship which has been preserved for the nation thanks to over £14MMillion of National Lottery funding.

Alan said, “It’s great to be back on-board a ship again. I spent so many years on ships of varying shapes and sizes, but none quite as historic as this one.”

Celebrating his win with close friends is a priority. Alan said, “I know that I want to use the winnings to enjoy life, and that starts with a party for my friends. I’ll hire a place, put my card behind the bar and simply say to everyone ‘Enjoy!’ It’ll be a great night and we’ll be raising a few glasses of Guinness, toasting the win and my friends.”

Alan bought his winning Scratchcard at his local Co-op, but didn’t discover his life-changing win until he’d got home to his tower block flat. He said, “I was in shock, I couldn’t believe it and I was shaking. Even though I had to go back down eight floors, I just had to get back to the shop and ask the question, ‘is this Scratchcard really a winner?’

“They duly checked it and returned it to me saying, ‘Yes, it looks like it is. You’d better phone The National Lottery!’”

Alan returned to his flat where he asked a friend’s son to check the Scratchcard online. He said, “I don’t have a smartphone – I don’t even text.”

Once the big win was confirmed Alan put his Scratchcard in a plastic sleeve and made sure he always kept it on him. He said, “It was too special to let go.”

As a former seafarer, Alan has visited an incredible variety of countries. His travelling also allowed him to indulge his love of classic rock – he's seen The Rolling Stones 26 times, Pink Floyd 18 times and Led Zeppelin twice.

27th March 2025