Winners

Marlyn’s £1Million EuroMillions win is ‘perfect timing’

Marlyn Anderson says winning a £1Million EuroMillions prize could not have come at a better time. Her husband, Ian, has a terminal illness, so the incredible windfall will ensure he enjoys the best quality of life in the time he has left.

Ian, 77, has pleural plaques and pulmonary fibrosis – a condition he believes is the result of being exposed to asbestos while working in the building industry. He struggles to breathe as a result and can no longer climb the stairs at the couple’s home in Stirling. As a result, Ian and 70-year-old Marlyn, have been mostly confined to their living room.

Marlyn says, “Buying a bungalow – and I think I have seen one already – will allow Ian to have his own bedroom and for us to have a sitting room too, all on one level. This will be so special as it is something we haven’t been able to do for such a long time.”

The couple have already bought an automatic car to make getting around easier.

Marlyn, who previously worked as a carer supporting people with learning disabilities and dementia, is now a full-time carer for Ian. Prior to his illness the couple – who have been married for 32 years – lived life to the full and went abroad for holidays.

Ian says the amazing EuroMillions win has given him the comfort of knowing Marlyn, their two children, five grandchildren and great grandchild, will be OK when he dies.

Marlyn decided to buy a EuroMillions Lucky Dip ticket after discovering she had £4.90 left in her National Lottery account. She says, “I just thought there is no point just letting it sit in my account, I will buy a Lucky Dip ticket for the next draw.

“It was the day after the draw that I saw an email saying there was good news about my ticket. I initially thought we had won £1,000 and I was absolutely delighted.

“I then started to count the zeros – and couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing – so I counted them again! I just kept thinking it couldn’t be true. I was desperately watching the clock tick to 8am when I could call The National Lottery to confirm everything.

“I couldn’t believe it when the person on the other end of the phone told me it was correct! I actually don’t think the news has fully sunk in yet! Neither Ian nor I can believe it. It still all seems very surreal! There is no other word to describe what we are going through right now!”

21st March 2024

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