A furloughed painter from Northern Ireland has had some exciting lockdown luck. Discovering he had won £300 000 on a UK National Lottery scratch card.
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THE WINNING TICKET
Robert Fullerton had been out with his wife, Susan. They were doing some essential shopping when he decided to try his luck. He purchased two scratch cards.
“I didn’t win anything on the first scratchcard and gave it to Susan to check, while I was scratching the second card,” he said, “Half-way through, it was already showing that I’d won £300,000 and I started physically shaking.”
Still, in disbelief, Fullerton went on to send a picture of the winning card to his mother.
“I showed the scratchcard to Susan and took a photo that I sent to my mum and sister – both of whom agreed that I wasn’t seeing things and that, as far as they could see, I’d won three hundred grand.”
The 30-year-old admitted that he barely slept that night but contacted the National Lottery the following morning for confirmation.
“They asked for some details and then, I’ll never forget, the lady on the phone said… Congratulations, you have won £300,000!”
“My reply was ‘you what?’ My heartfelt like it was going to burst out of my chest. I still can’t believe it. It’s like a dream come true, especially in these uncertain times when we’re stuck at home and don’t really know how our jobs will be affected by this coronavirus pandemic.”
POST-LOCKDOWN PLANS
Like many others, Robert and Susan have been furloughed for almost two months as part of the government’s job retention scheme. Their lucky win could not have come at a better time. However, Robert says that despite his newfound fortune, he hopes to get back to work soon. He loves his job and went on to say that he even misses the banter with his workmates.
And while it is uncertain as to when the lockdown will be lifted, the Fullerton’s already have some exciting changes planned out. The biggest being a brand new house in their area, followed by a holiday abroad and finally some driving lessons.
“The only times I’ve been abroad before were on school trips, so it’ll be amazing for Susan and me to fly off somewhere sunny.” Robert says.
As a lifelong Liverpool supporter, He has some other plans up his sleeve.
“I’m a lifelong red, so I’ll definitely be buying myself a new strip and making the trip across to Anfield a few times,” he said.
“If Susan supported Liverpool, I’d consider our own box at the stadium – but unfortunately she’s a Chelsea fan so that’s not really going to work.”
CELEBRATIONS
The traditional National Lottery Winners celebration has been put on hold due to the current restrictions. But the family will be putting together a party of their own.
“We’ve never had a lot of money and what we have we’ve worked hard for. It just goes to show that it really can happen to anyone.” – Robert Fullerton
Feeling lucky? If you would like to try your luck and change your life, visit LettersScratch.xyz and buy tickets online now. Or have a look at some of our other Winner’s stories.