Steve Glover, 73, couldn’t believe his luck when he checked his lotto numbers to find out he’d bagged the windfall.
The pensioner from Exeter, tried his chances in March 2023 after yobs had destroyed his caravan and squashed plans to retire in the Scottish Highlands.
And after a “string of bad luck”, ex-cabbie Steve was in shock when he matched five numbers and the bonus.
After suffering two heart attacks, which led to the breakdown of his business, and having his retirement plans ruined, Steve never thought he’d spend the later years of life how he wanted to.
But that all changed this time last year.
Steve said: “I’ve had my share of bad luck over the years, with two heart attacks and an injury that stopped me working.
“That led to the demise of my business.
“When the win was confirmed, I made a cup of tea – my answer to everything – and told myself not to start the celebrations just yet.
“But now the money is there, it looks like the celebrations can start.”
Steve is now looking at which motorhome he wants to splash the cash on.
His plan is to then hit the road and make a little life for himself in Scotland.
As well as buying a new home for himself, Steve bought a fleet of new luxury vehicles.
Steve’s passion for cars was sparked during his RAF career, when he would drive for the Go-Kart race team.
His time at RAF Leuchars also ignited his dream of moving to the Highlands after serving in the area.
He said: “I was driving for the RAF Go-Kart race team during my time at Leuchars, you could say that the RAF gave me my two great loves in life, Scotland and a fascination for just about anything with an engine.
“And while the RAF gave me a go-kart, the Lotto win has given me a veritable fleet of vehicles, I think my current favourite is my old classic, a Bentley R Turbo.”