Milkman John Hay reckons his ex-wife is the cream of the crop — after she made him a millionaire when she scooped the Lotto jackpot.
Doreen Hay was married to John for 12 years until they divorced in 1987 after "growing apart".
But they stayed best of friends, meeting up every week for Sunday lunch.
So when Doreen, 70, and their son John Jr., 38, scooped £7.5 million in the UK's Lotto game, she called her ex immediately.
John, 59, said: "When she rang after the win I was thrilled for her. It never crossed my mind she'd give any to me.
"It is typical of Doreen's generosity that she's thought of everyone else before herself.
"She has been such a great friend. We've got on better than we did when we were married. I have never needed anyone else when I have her as a friend."
John, who earns £20,000 a year, is getting half a million from Doreen and the same amount from his winner son.
He has been out on his round as usual but admitted he will soon be doing his last.
He said: "I've been on my milk round now for 30 years and I've enjoyed it.
"My thoughts were turning to retirement but I didn't think I'd be able to do it for quite some time.
"Doreen's changed all that and I really don't know how to thank her."
The pair met almost 40 years ago when they worked at a restaurant together.
He said: "I was over the moon when she agreed to go out with me but we grew apart as man and wife. Still there's no one I'd rather spend my time with than Doreen."
The mum-of-two, of Thornaby, Teesside, still lives in the same area as her ex.
She said: "I see him every week for Sunday lunch. He does a lovely dinner.
"If it is nice we go away for days. We have such a good relationship."
Doreen is a Liverpool fan, and she may treat herself to her first visit to Anfield.
But despite her love of day trips, John Jr., of nearby Billingham, said: "We won't be getting her on a plane anywhere soon. She does not do holidays abroad."
In contrast, he plans to travel the world with partner Susan and three stepchildren Daniel, 22, Joseph, 11, and Aimee, nine.
Generous Doreen is giving away a total of £1.5 million between John, her three grandchildren, seven surviving siblings and the charities Help for Heroes, WaterAid, Save The Children and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, as well as a local hospice.
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Thanks to myturn for the tip.
Very impressive and generous. Kudos to all of them for setting an example of being humble.
Great Stuff!!! That's what its all about right there!!!
That my friends is a TRUE FRIEND... Good story.
This goes to show that money merely enhances who you are already, on the inside. Congrats to all, you are showing a very good example. Forgiveness is a very beautiful thing if you can handle it.
I have a feeling the money will not last. I do hope they have got independent professional financial advice. It is a lot of money, but if you don't spend and or invest it wisely, it can be badly depleted of disappear altogether.
Good luck to them and hope they invest most of it for the future.
She was 30 & he was 19 when they met. 40 years ago such a pairing was rare. Nowadays we have cougars and cubs and everything you can think of. Anyways It's good they remained friends especially for him. I wonder if he'll be taxed heavily for this gift.
Very classy.
What a contrast to the lottery winner who dumped her husband for the Audi salesman.
Great story. Finally a nice person wins! LOL
Is that beer n water side by side? What gives?
GREAT STORY it is always good to share
Congratulations
AMEN!!!! so true, so true!
She is going straight to heaven!