Lottery winners who took home £2 million have described how the real celebrations began three days later when their teenage son was given the all clear from cancer.
In May 2019 Ewan McDonald, 15, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, as a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system – part of the immune system.
Ewan was treated for the disease, which can be fatal, with chemotherapy last year and was given the all-clear just 72 hours after his parents, John and Allison, won the lottery.
The family said they couldn’t believe their luck: “It is just like all of our lifelong dreams came true in the space of three days. What a start to 2020,” said 62-year-old father, John.
On 18 December John and Allison found their Lucky Dip numbers were a match to the draw and they had scooped a seven-figure prize.
“Everyone always dreams of winning the lottery at Christmas and talks about how amazing this would be,” added John. “Allison and I never believed it would happen to us – and it has.
“Then to receive the news that Ewan’s latest scans are all clear is just truly amazing.”
Allison described the moment as “the most amazing feeling ever”.
The couple from Stockton-on-Tees have both handed in their notice at their respective jobs after winning the money.
John, a former security guard, was at work when he found out he was a winner: “I had finished my routine patrols and was sitting having a cup of tea when I remembered I had not checked my lottery ticket,” he said.
“I quickly realised I had matched two numbers and I thought great – this means I have won a Lucky Dip.
“I then realised I had matched three numbers and I was absolutely over the moon – thinking we can do something nice this weekend as a family.
“But as I continued to check I realised I had matched all six – I was just in total shock.
“My legs were trembling as I called Camelot to check that what I was seeing was in fact right, I couldn’t believe it when the news was confirmed.
John and Allison have placed a new home with a garden at the top of their shopping list. Travel is also high on the agenda for the couple.
John and Allison bought their ticket from Asda in Portrack Lane, Stockton-on-Tees. Their lucky numbers were 13, 15, 36, 44, 50 and 56.
