UK factory worker claims £71 million EuroMillions lottery jackpot

Apr 10, 2019, 8:26 am (5 comments)

Euro Millions

A factory worker who has won £71 million (US$80 million) in the multi-country EuroMillions lottery is quite happy to admit it "bloody well will" change his life.

Ade Goodchild, 58, was the only winner of the £71,057,439 prize on Friday.

He told a news conference he will retire after 24 years as a metal worker in Hereford, travel the world and buy a home with a swimming pool.

Being single, he denied he was suddenly more attractive overnight, saying, "Just my wallet is."

Mr. Goodchild is the 15th-biggest winner in UK lottery history.

He bought his ticket from the Co-op store in Ledbury Road, Hereford, and initially thought he must be just one of many to share the jackpot.

Despite hearing the winning "ping" sound from the app on his phone when he checked his numbers, he had to look more than once.

"I read the prize amount again and realised that it was actually £71 million and just one winner — me," he said.

"It was then that I called my mum and dad. Their reaction was one of complete shock — I still don't think it's sunk in for them."

His dream holiday destinations include The Grand Canyon and the Pyramids.

"I'm not one of these winners who is going to say this win won't change me," he said.

"It bloody well will or at least I'll give it a damn good go! There'll be no more shift work for me."

Mr. Goodchild also said he has his eye on a house that will have a Jacuzzi along with the swimming pool.

Customers and staff at the Co-op store spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester about the win, with one saying it "couldn't have gone to someone any more deserving".

Mr. Goodchild, originally from south Wales, celebrated by watching the Wales grand slam victory over Ireland in the Six Nations rugby championship, on Saturday.

"I am an only child and my parents have always been there for me. Like all parents, they worry about my mortgage, bills and how long I will have to work for," he said.

"I've told my parents they can stop saving now and spend my inheritance."

The winning numbers in Friday's draw were 3, 15, 24, 42, and 46, with Lucky Star numbers 9 and 12.

EuroMillions is played in eight countries outside the UK including Austria, Belgium, France, the Irish Republic, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.

News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Thanks to dannyct for the tip.

BBC, Lottery Post Staff

Comments

dannyct

Congratulations! However, as the UK Lottery gives winners the right to remain anonymous, he was very unwise to choose publicly. Having said that, I wish him a fantastic future. I hope he will seek independent, professional legal and financial advice, so he can make the most of his jackpot, for the long-term.

TheMeatman2005's avatarTheMeatman2005

Congrats on the win!

Make sure you save some for your golden years.

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

Tax free lottery ?

Congrats Ade !! Enjoy your newly acquired wealth and find a wonderful bird who will enjoy you being who you are. Thumbs Up

dannyct

Quote: Originally posted by CDanaT on Apr 10, 2019

Tax free lottery ?

Congrats Ade !! Enjoy your newly acquired wealth and find a wonderful bird who will enjoy you being who you are. Thumbs Up

Yes, he should get a budgie!

music*'s avatarmusic*

Congratulations to Ade Goodchild, 58!   US $80,000,000.00  Enjoy your retirement.

😀

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