Pub managers in high spirits thanks to amazing Scratchcard win
A pair of pub managers from Lowestoft are looking forward to Christmas Day with family for the first time in 20 years after winning the incredible top prize on a National Lottery Scratchcard.
Craig Harrison, 60, and his partner of 35 years, Debbie Piper, 58, scratched off the £100,000 every month for a year top prize on a ‘12 Pays of Christmas’ Scratchcard. Accustomed to working behind the bar on Christmas Day, the lucky couple are celebrating their amazing win by spending the day unwrapping presents at home with family.
Craig said, “We’ve been in the pub trade pretty much all our working lives so we’re used to helping the people of Lowestoft celebrate Christmas, reserving our family celebrations for another day. But not this year! It’ll be strange to wake up on Christmas Day and instead of rushing about opening up for our regulars, we’ll be thinking about a relaxed Christmas lunch for 7!”
The story of Craig and Debbie’s National Lottery win begins with a family lunch, a load of dirty laundry and some cooking oil. Craig usually cooks a big roast on Mondays (he works in the pub on Sundays) but realising he was out of oil for the roast potatoes he decided to go shopping.
Craig said, “Debbie asked me to go to the Co-Op so I could drop off some washing at the launderette on the way. While there I decided to treat us both to a National Lottery ‘12 Pays of Christmas’ Scratchcard.
“I can’t help thinking, if it weren’t for cooking oil and that bag of dirty laundry, I wouldn’t have been in the right place at the right time and we wouldn’t be banking £100,000 a month for a year!”
Debbie was browsing for Christmas presents online when Craig appeared in the lounge with his Scratchcard and said ‘I think we’ve won something serious’.
Debbie said, “Craig is always pretty lucky with little wins here and there so I assumed his something ‘serious’ would be a tenner. But when I saw the look on his face, I knew he’d been very lucky and my Christmas shopping was quickly forgotten!”
As well as treats for their family, Craig and Debbie are planning to buy a beach hut on Pakefield Beach.
Debbie said, “I’m still in shock. Craig watches a TV show about The Savoy and now we can go for a meal, and stay the night! And the ladies watch I have always dreamt of owning, a very pretty Rolex, may eventually make its way from the jewellers window onto my wrist!”
12th December 2022
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