‘Isle’ be blowed: John’s Tenerife bound thanks to Thunderball win

John, 66, said, “I visit Tenerife three or four times a year but when I left in September, I told friends I probably wouldn’t make it back before early 2025. Now, thanks to my Thunderball luck, I can afford to head back for a little winter sun and celebrate with my friends over there.

“I may also do a little house-hunting while I’m on the island. It would be nice to have a bolt-hole for the future, and it will also be a way to share my good fortune with those closest to me who will be able to use it for their holidays too.”

John’s Thunderball adventure began when he logged on to the National Lottery app and saw a message congratulating him on a win. Seeing no change in his available funds he went to work as usual.

He said, “Even when I logged on later that day to buy my EuroMillions ticket I didn’t look more deeply into the message that popped up congratulating me on a win. It was only 24 hours later, when I finally read my messages, that the penny started to drop. Even then, at first glance, I thought it was £500.10.

“I was heading to the shops when I worked out that it was actually £500,000 plus £10 on another line. At that point I decided driving wasn’t a good idea and walked to the local shop. I think I actually floated there, I certainly felt like I was on Cloud Nine!”

John has been playing The National Lottery since it started 30 years ago. He said, “I’ve always believed that one day I would win big. But now it’s happened, it’s taken a bit of getting used to.”

John intends to keep working for a while yet, but is determined to use his good fortune to make the most of every moment. He says he gained a new outlook after a cancer diagnosis required the removal of one of his kidneys. He now has a clean bill of health.

He said, “Having been through such a challenging time with my cancer diagnosis and treatment, I want to be sure I make the most of every moment, whether that’s work, rest or play.”

23rd October 2024