A factory worker has quit his job and is planning a spending spree after insisting his £71 million EuroMillions jackpot win will change his life.
Ade Goodchild, 58, from Hereford, has his eye on a new house with a jacuzzi, “a few staff” and dream holidays to the Grand Canyon and the Pyramids.
After going public with his win on Wednesday, he said: “I’m not one of these winners who is going to say this win won’t change me. It bloody well will, or at least I’ll give it a damn good go.
“There’ll be no more shift work for me. I want to travel, find myself a lovely new home, go to top sporting events, and try many other things besides.
“I’m not a gardener but I’d like a bit of space for the dogs and a nice spot for my hammock on sunny days, so it would be good to have someone to take care of the view for me. I think I could also get used to a driver and even my own cook.”
Mr Goodchild, who is handing in his notice after working for more than 24 years at a metal factory in Hereford, will spend some of his windfall on his family, who are originally from South Wales.
He said: “I am an only child and my parents have always been there for me. Like all parents, they worry about my mortgage, bills and how long I will have to work for. I’ve told my parents they can stop saving now and spend my inheritance.”
He added: “I was not brought up to be wealthy but I’m going to have fun learning.”
Mr Goodchild, who is single, was asked by reporters if he thought the money made him a more “attractive” romantic prospect.
He replied: “Anybody I think I couldn’t have pulled before has got no chance, because I haven’t suddenly become more attractive overnight – just my wallet has.”
Swigging champagne as he celebrated at a hotel in Great Malvern, Worcestershire, he added: “I take people as I find them but, like I say, I’m not a stupid man.
“I have done stupid things; luckily I’ve learned from them.”
He marked his win on Saturday by watching the Wales v Ireland Six Nations rugby match on television with his parents, with a takeaway pizza, spicy chicken wings and beer.
He said: “I don’t normally check my ticket until Monday but I had an urge early Saturday morning and decided to scan my ticket on the National Lottery App. It gave me the winning ‘ping’ sound and I thought I might have won a fiver or something.
“But when I checked I thought hang on, it looks like I’ve won £71,000. I put my glasses on to double check, and then spotted that it was the jackpot prize and that all my numbers were circled. I thought wow, a lot of people have shared the jackpot this week but fair play.
“Then I read the prize amount again and realised that it was actually £71 million and just one winner – me. It was then that I called my mum and dad. Their reaction was one of complete shock – I still don’t think it’s sunk in for them.”
He bought his winning ticket from The Co-op on Ledbury Road in Hereford.
The winning numbers from the draw on Friday March 15 were 03, 15, 24, 42, 46, and Lucky Stars 09 and 12.
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