James Belich and Didzis Pirags are our featured two dads who won millions as we celebrate dads this fathers day.
JAMES BELICH -$10 MILLION
Every once in a while, a quick trip to the store turns into a life-changing moment. This was the case for James Belich who decided to buy a scratch card on his lunch break and became a millionaire!
Source: North Carolina Education Lottery
The logistics manager from Lancaster decided to purchase a lottery scratch card while on his lunch break. Since he works an hour away from home, James popped into a local convenience store in Charlotte, North Carolina near to where he works. He chose a $30 ‘Supreme Riches’ ticket and scratched it while still in the store. This is where his regular lunch break turned into a life-changing moment…
James soon realized that he had won a staggering $10 million. According to his wife Emily, the jackpot winner was left speechless.
“When he got home, he was so shocked all he could do was hold the ticket up in front of my face.” She told state lottery officials.
Eventually, James had this to say to lottery officials:
“You never expect it,” Belich told state lottery officials. “You think maybe you’ll win something, but not $10 million. It’s unbelievable.”
The father of two had no intention of making any lifestyle changes. In fact, the family are very happy where they live stating that it is a great place to raise their family. “We may buy a few extra rounds for folks when we go out, but this prize will create a bright future for our kids. That’s what’s important. It’s awesome, just a blessing.”
“Our two boys are too young to really understand. Our oldest is 5 and he thinks we won $20.” Emily says.
READ SOME MORE WINNERS STORIES HERE.
DIDZIS PIRAGS – £1 MILLION
‘It’s not my money really, it’s all his,’ this is what single father Didzis Pirags had to say about his £1 million win and his 5-year-old son.
Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
The Latvian born chef had decided to use the last £6.50 left in his virtual National lottery account while enjoying a lunch break. He selected an instant win game and was surprised to discover that he had revealed £1 million after his first scratch. Pirags raced down from his apartment above the pub he works at in search of his boss.
“I literally ran downstairs and said to my boss ‘look, look it’s £1m isn’t it, isn’t it?’
His boss promptly confirmed his winnings and the happy dad called in to claim his prize. Just days after his win, the 36-year-old returned to work and finished a Christmas shift at the pub. Claiming the win as a Christmas miracle he still continued working to finish his shift.
“Money shouldn’t change your lifestyle, we’re going to have a better life but it’ll be something we feel the experience in the long-term, not just by buying flashy things,” he explained. “This is why I’m going to keep working, and he (son) will too when he’s older.”
The single dad works 12-hour shifts including weekends which meant that he spent a limited time each week with his young son.
“I’ve not spent a weekend with him in years. This is the best Christmas present we could have received, it’s massive. It’s going to mean a better life for me and my son … everything in our lives can be better now.”
As we celebrate these two dads who won millions playing their favourite scratch card games,why not try your luck at a lottery scratch game and you may be the next winner.