James and the giant win

James said, “I woke up on Tuesday morning and had forgotten all about the Set For Life ticket I had bought the day before. I have been working consistently throughout the pandemic and I’ve been really busy, so I was enjoying some time off over the Christmas break. I turned on my PlayStation, ready to play a game and checked my emails whilst waiting for it to load. I noticed an email from The National Lottery to say I’d won a prize, but didn't think too much of it as I’d won £5 not too long ago.

“I checked the National Lottery app and saw that I had matched all of the 5 main numbers and the Life Ball. I couldn’t believe it! I ran down to my mum to get her to check but she wasn't sure either.”

James immediately called Camelot to confirm the win, before deciding to go rock climbing in an attempt at clearing his head. He said, “I felt really overwhelmed so I decided to go rock climbing. I am really into sports and rock climb regularly – I spent the summer climbing at the Peak District and I have been missing my sports during the pandemic. Whilst climbing, I ended up bumping into one of my best friends and his girlfriend, who were also climbing but I didn’t tell them about my win – I didn't know what to do!”

A few days after the win, and only having told close family, James enjoyed some New Year’s Eve celebrations with friends, having drinks and playing games virtually, and still managed to keep his win a secret.

James said, “I had a great evening with all of my friends but I was adamant I wasn't going to tell anyone as it still didn’t feel real – it was really difficult not to slip up! I have since told all of my friends and they are so happy and shocked.”

Despite his new-found fortune, James plans to keep life as normal as possible; he doesn’t want to move out of his parents’ home or stop working with his dad, but there are lots of travel plans in the pipeline, when it’s safe to do so.

James said, “After the win had sunk in a bit more, I started to think about all of the things I could do and buy. My first thought was a skiing trip to Canada with my family. I would also love to go to Alaska, I will definitely take a trip of a lifetime there when it’s safe to travel again.

“I am going to stay at home for the time being and have a think about what I want to do. My dad was chuffed for me and I will always be there to help him out, whatever I decide to do in the future.

“There isn’t anything I need or want at the moment, although I have been eyeing up a new computer. I haven’t been able to play any of my sports due to the pandemic so having my PlayStation has kept me busy. I play badminton at a professional level and volunteer at my local badminton club to coach younger kids, which is something I love and am really proud of and I can’t wait to get back to coaching.

“I never thought I would actually win, but you have to be in it to win it, as they say.”

12th January 2021