Thanks a bunch! Gardener’s £3m scratchcard joy
GARDENER James Evans’ plan to start a business in Cornwall has blossomed after he scooped £3million on a lottery scratchcard. James, 30, and partner JoJo Smith, 28, had been dreaming of moving to the West Country.
But after landing the top prize on a National Lottery scratchcard they can now start planning their move.
James said: “It really is magic. This time last week I was thinking of ways to help get my business off the ground. Now I’m thinking about what to do with £3million.”
The gardener, from Romney Marsh, Kent, bought the scratchcard on a whim on June 15.
He said: “A mate needed a hand moving hardcore and I agreed to help. “As we were working, we got chatting about a local lad who won on a scratchcard and joked that a nice little win would buy me a new digger.”
James decided that if there was a parking space near his local shop, he would drop in and buy a couple of scratchcards.
Fortuitously, there was one right outside so he took that as a sign and went in.
“When I saw the £3million symbol I didn’t believe it,” he said. “I’ve read it wrong and thought I had a big win once before so I thought my mind was playing tricks again.
“But when I had another look, thankfully the £3million was still there.”
Since claiming his prize earlier this week, James has splashed out on his-and-hers Mercedes for him and JoJo and also booked a romantic trip to Thailand.
And as well as buying his dream home in Cornwall, James plans to treat his loved ones.
He said: “I’m going to buy Mum a bungalow on the banks of the River Tamar and look at hiring a villa in Ibiza so we can give our friends and family a holiday in the sun.”