Life changing

Caldicot gardener sets down roots after £1Million win

The grass is looking greener for a young Caldicot man, who had started a freelance gardening business with a friend only two weeks before he won £1Million on a National Lottery Scratchcard.

Pulling up stumps

Jacob Hodge, 26, who established Caldicot-based Garden Force with his mate Lee Griffiths, says that the Vauxhall Combo van and tools he and Lee had invested in with the last of their savings, are now all Lee’s to keep.

Setting down roots

Jacob now plans to buy a new pad for him and his girlfriend of five years Aimee Dayment, and their three year old son, to enable them to finally live together.

Finances have meant Jacob has been living with his mum Amanda in Caldicot and his son has been with nursery nurse Aimee, but that is all set to change dramatically after his win this week.

“It definitely hasn’t really sunk in yet, but mum, Aimee and our son will definitely be getting lots of treats. I still feel quite sick about the win really, not like I would have expected to feel at all. It still hasn’t sunk in, although I’ve always said to the boys that I will have a win. It feels unreal.”

Jacob has already upgraded his 09 plate Seat Leon to his dream car – a brand new Audi RS3 Saloon. He also plans to revamp his teeth.

“I went straight to Cardiff Audi the same day as finding out I won and after a place for us to live, I’ll be getting my teeth sorted out! I’ve been thinking about it for a while – getting the brightest white you can have – but £3,000 has always seemed a bit much, when there’s been so much else we’ve needed. Not anymore! I just can’t believe it.”

Still sinking in

Jacob was on his way home from dropping the pram at his mum’s when he popped in to buy two 20X Scratchcards from his local store. He was celebrating a £10 win on the first card when he decided to splash out on another and couldn’t believe his luck when it revealed a top prize win.

4th May 2018

The National Lottery has been changing the lives of winners and supporting good causes across the UK since 1994. In that time, there have been more than 7,000 new millionaires created and by playing The National Lottery you raise over £4 million for Good Causes every dayΔ.

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