Robert’s £300,000 ‘Treasure Bingo’ Scratchcard win

Robert, whose friends call him ‘50 Bob’ (after the rapper 50 Cent) is from Derry~Londonderry and is currently furloughed with his wife, Susan, 25. Robert works as a spray painter and Susan as a machine operator for a leading local kitchen supplier and, like many across the country, they have been staying away from work for the past five weeks.

Robert said, “I didn’t win anything on the first Scratchcard and gave it to Susan to check while I was scratching the second card.

“Halfway through, it was already showing that I’d won £300,000 and I started physically shaking. I was thinking to myself, ‘that’s not right’ and had to get up and go outside for some fresh air.”

In disbelief, he showed Susan the Scratchcard and took a photo to send to his mum and sister, who both agreed he wasn’t seeing things. Robert said, “After a restless night with little or no sleep, I called The National Lottery the following morning. They asked for some details and then, I’ll never forget, the lady on the phone said ‘Congratulations, you have won £300,000’!”

Even then, Robert was struggling to believe he’d won. He said, “My reply was ‘you what?’ My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest. In fact, I still can’t believe it. It’s like a dream come true, especially in these uncertain times when we’re stuck at home.”

Despite his big win, Robert hopes to get back to work as soon as possible, saying he loves his job and the ‘banter’ with his workmates. But he has big plans on what he’s going to do with the win when the lockdown is lifted, including a new house, a first holiday abroad with Susan and getting his driver’s licence after the coronavirus disrupted his driving lessons.

Robert’s got some plans for the house already. He said, “As a keen darts player, it’ll definitely have a ‘man cave’ with a dart board and a big TV. Also, we know it might be some time away, but when people are able to travel again, we’ll go on a holiday to Benidorm. 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.”

A massive Liverpool fan, Robert’s also going to be visiting Anfield when football is back up and running. He said, “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. 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.”

The traditional National Lottery win celebration has had to be put on ice with the current social distancing advice from the Government, but Robert has promised both himself and his family a party when the time is right.

12th May 2020