Daughter’s sweet tooth helps dad win £500KThousand on EuroMillions

The 44-year-old was returning from a day out with the three-year-old when she asked him to buy her some treats. He said, “Our daughter is very persistent when it comes to sweets and, despite trying to stand firm, on the third ‘please daddy’ I caved in and headed into the shop! I’m very pleased I did. If it hadn’t been for her sweet tooth I wouldn’t have bought that Lucky Dip ticket.”

The £524,043.10 prize means the family can finally fulfil their dream of visiting New York.

Valdet’s wife Abbey, 40, who was cleaning the bathroom when her husband called with the incredible news, said “I wasn’t impressed at having to take my rubber gloves off to answer the phone. Valdet’s first words were, ‘book New York, I’ve won the Lottery!’”

Once home, the couple had a good giggle at their amazing good fortune before sharing the news with their 12-year-old son. Valdet said, “It was one of the craziest moments trying to convince him we had won the Lottery. He thought it was a joke and it was only when I showed him the win using The National Lottery app that he was willing to believe us!”

Keen to experience their winning moment somewhere special, Valdet and Abbey took their children to the London Eye. Abbey said, “Coming to London makes it so special for the four of us and it’s a wonderful way to remind us ‘life is sweet.’ Next stop is New York.”

The prize will also allow Valdet to help his mother who lives in Kosovo. He said, “I want to get her something to make her life a little bit easier. Being able to help my mum enjoy her older years means so much to us both.”

Closer to home Valdet and Abbey are pondering a house move to give their children a little more space. Valdet said, “I always believed you have to be in it to win it, and while I only played from time to time, a month ago I dreamt I won The National Lottery. Was that a premonition? I don’t know but what I do know is that we’re all over the moon and our daughter, who was already daddy’s princess, has been promoted to Queen!”

15th October 2025