Kent Gardener Digs Out A £3 Million National Lottery Win

Updated: Wednesday 27th June 2018

A self-employed gardener from Romney Marsh in Kent has revealed that he was joking about how he would spend a big National Lottery win just minutes before he popped into his local shop and bought a scratchcard which turned out to be worth £3 million.

James Evans, 30, landed the top prize on the £250 Million Cash Spectacular game earlier this month and has now come forward to claim his money, but he says he owes it all to a well-timed chat and a convenient parking space.

A New Digger and Trailer

He explained: “A mate needed a hand moving some hardcore and I agreed to help. As we were working we got chatting about the challenges of starting out in business and cashflow. We actually spoke about a local lad who won on a scratchcard and joked that a nice little win like that would mean I could buy a new digger and trailer."

James decided after that conversation with his friend that he would pick up a couple of scratchcards if there was somewhere to park outside Spar on New Romney High Street. “Amazingly there was a space right outside so I took this as sign, popped in and bought my scratchcards and a drink,” he said.

"When I looked back down and saw the £3mill symbol I didn’t believe it. I have to say I’ve once before read it wrong and thought I had a big win so was a bit suss and thought my mind was playing tricks again. I paused and then had another look, and thankfully the £3mill was still there!”

Cornwall Dream

James immediately rang his partner JoJo to tell her the news, but she just told him to stop joking and got back to her work as a full-time baker. She was eventually convinced but the couple still had to wait for the win to be verified and the money paid out. They are now looking forward to enjoying a bright future together, with plans to move to a new home and start new business ventures.

He said: “We’ve always dreamt about moving to Cornwall and in fact that’s what we were slowly working towards, now thanks to the win our daydream has been fast forwarded at warp speed!

"We will start looking for a nice little farmhouse with some outbuildings and about an acre of land to call home. I will establish a maintenance business and JoJo a bakery in one of the little seaside villages. And I’ll finally get that new digger and trailer!”

James and JoJo have also set their hearts on a pair of his and hers Mercedes, new homes for other family members and various exciting holidays. One possible trip could be a journey to Russia to watch England if they reach the final of the World Cup, and James said: “Luck and fate have gone in my favour recently so maybe Moscow does await!”

How to Become a Big Winner

As James and JoJo look forward to splashing their cash in lots of exciting ways, you can also think about how you might like to spend a huge National Lottery prize. Scratchcards are available from authorised retailers throughout the UK, while there are big jackpots up for grabs every week in games such as EuroMillions, Lotto and Thunderball. Take part online now for your chance to win.

Published: Wednesday 27th June 2018

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