A 23-year-old digger driver from Essex has won £250 000 on a National Lottery Scratch Card. His eyes are set on a brand new hot tub for the garden amongst many other things.
Friday’s first pint
It was just another Friday night at the pub when George Bates reached for the scratch card he had bought earlier that day.
“I’d literally just got a pint and sat down at my table when I remembered the scratch card I’d bought a bit earlier at the village Post Office.
To his utter surprise, Bates discovered the winning symbol as he scratched away at the card.
“As I revealed the £250,000 prize symbol, I leapt up and started to shout and cheer, I was buzzing!”
George was promptly told to sit back down by the Pub manager, following current social distancing rules. Bates explained his win with great excitement and showed off his winning scratch card. The entire bar erupted in cheers.
The young ‘heavy-plant’ operator took a moment to reflect on the events leading up to his win.
“I’d bought the scratch card earlier that day, shoved it in my pocket and carried on,” he said. “I can’t believe I was jumping in and out of the car and all the time with the equivalent of £250,000 in my pocket.
“That first pint on a Friday is always something to look forward to. Even these days when we are social distancing. But, I can tell you, winning £250,000 into the deal makes it quite a bit sweeter,” he said.
Back home with the family
“Once I’d seen what that little piece of card was worth, I pretty promptly downed my pint and headed home to tell my mum and give it to her for safekeeping”.
“Telling my mum was epic, my brother was there too, and we were just whooping and shouting.”
“This really is a life-changing opportunity for someone of my age. And, if I do it right, it will help set me up for life,” he said.
Plans for the Future
The events of 2020 have certainly given many of us a new perspective. As seen with many of the lottery winners this year, George too has planned to make his winnings last. He has already started planning his future endeavours.
“I’ve just completed a training course so I am licensed to operate larger machinery; now I can become self-employed almost immediately.
“Long term, I’d like to travel, there’s a crazy plan to maybe go to North America and drive diggers in the goldfields”.
“Given my luck with this scratch card, maybe I should try my luck there!
“But in the short term, I’m going to put it all into investments, keep living with my mum and brothers, but keep a little back to make life a bit easier for us all”.
“Maybe a few more meals out – when that’s safe to do again – and I’m thinking a hot tub for the back garden would be nice too”.
“It’s been a rubbish year, this is a pretty awesome way to finish it off, we’re going to have one hell of a Christmas!”
Feeling lucky? If you would like to try your luck and change your life, visit LettersScratch.xyz and buy tickets online now. Have a look at some of our other Winner’s stories.