72-year-old Steven Bennett has been crowned a millionaire after scooping a Euromillions win with a ticket he bought on the Isle of Wight.
Steven, a widower from East London, has been holidaying on the Island since childhood and has continued to visit regularly ever since his parents moved here around 40 years ago.
But one of his most recent trips is certainly one he will not forget, as his EuroMillions Lucky Dip ticket, purchased somewhat by chance, went on to win the Millionaire Maker raffle prize in the draw on 2nd May.
Steven explains how the win unfolded:
“I sometimes buy a couple of Lucky Dips when I’m on the Island but that really depends on the queue – if there is one then I won’t bother. I had mum’s shopping that Friday, so I had enough to carry without queuing, so when there was no one in front of me it felt a bit like it was my lucky day…I just didn’t realise how lucky until the following week!
“I’d forgotten about the ticket and found it in my back pocket on the Monday. I checked it with my phone and I thought it said I had won £10K. I turned my phone off and on and cleaned my glasses, as I couldn’t believe it and wanted to double-check, but this time it said I had won £1M!”
To mark his win, the National Lottery staged a photoshoot at Appley Beach in Ryde last week, where Steven was pictured sitting on deck chairs with his giant cheque, with the words ‘£1m’ sculpted into the sand.
Filmwight helped facilitate the day and interviewed Steven on his win…
Once his daughter Sally, and later his sons John and Tom, were told of Steven’s big win, the news quickly spread through the family. But the 7 grandchildren only learned of the win during the family’s special moment at Appley last week, where grandad’s jackpot win was unveiled.
The new millionaire says his winnings will be shared with his loved ones. He is buying a flat in Essex and also plans to purchase a property on the Isle of Wight so the family can continue to create memories by the coast.
Steven has said:
“It’s a special place for all of us and, with a nice house on the Island not far from the beach, we can make some really special memories all together”.
Steven’s winning EuroMillions Millionaire Maker code was HXNR 64959.
That’s lovely mate, we’re really pleased for you. But seeing as you now have the privilege of choice I’ll politely point out that there are already 3,000 second home owners here, with occupancy rates of less than 3 months of the year with a housing crisis of shortage, a homeless figure of 2,500 and a massive gap between affordable and attainable to buy for our ‘just starting out’s’.
There are plenty of holiday lets desperately seeking business (which I guess your family must know if you all come here often), or live here permanently and contribute to the island economy year round. A home is forever, not just for Christmas.
Tell that to politicians and royals who own many homes.
I once read Rishi had 11 homes.
Let this guy enjoy his winnings and don’t begrudge him
an holiday home on the island.
Ever wondered why some tourist destinations in places like this, Cornwall for example, are like ghost towns in winter? Why the shops etc without the year round trade shut down? And why then the resident people move away because there’s nothing going on and no jobs? Ever tried Googling why?
I didn’t know Sunak had 11 homes here on the island, or that we were a hotspot for Royals and politicians. Where, exactly?
Now be clever and bet out of islamified britain while you can!
What is wrong with you?
Congratulations, enjoy your winnings.