John Biro has known his girlfriend Louise Watts for years, but they only become an item three weeks ago. The delighted couple couldn’t believe their luck and say the win has given them the perfect start to their life together. John said: “I’ve never had any luck and now it all seems to be coming at once, first with Louise and I getting together, and then this win – it’s just unbelievable."

John picked up the scratchcard on a whim after a visit to his late parents’ graves. “I had been to my parents’ graves, which I always do this time of year, as both their birthdays fall at this time. I called in at the shop on the way to Louise’s, and bought us both a scratchcard, planning to split any winnings, as agreed."

“I scratched three matching numbers on my card, and thought I had won £8, which I was really happy with, but then when I revealed more numbers and realised we had won the top prize I just couldn’t believe it.”

John continued: “I still can’t believe my luck – the news hasn’t really sunk in yet. I never believed that amazing things like this could happen to someone like me!”