Grain of an idea for big lottery win

Jul 4 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

LOTTERY winner Michael Wigham plans to celebrate a £500,000 windfall – by building his own garden shed.

Grandfather-of-four Michael, 62, from St Bede Crescent, Thornley, near Peterlee, County Durham, banked a £524,020 share of the Lotto jackpot on Saturday.

And yesterday, the former chairman of his local Age Concern branch listed as his priorities: house, shed, savings.

He explained: “At my age there is not a lot I want. Most of the money will be saved for my children and grandchildren. But I do want to buy my council house and build my own garden shed. I will use the money to buy the wood and build a proper one, not the sort of second rate ones you get in some shops.”

Michael’s wife Liz, 60, had another idea, however.

“A new kitchen is definitely on my list of priorities,” she said firmly.

Michael is father to Joanne, 39, and John, 32, and grandfather to Katelyn, three, Chelsea, seven, Gary, 15 and Gemma, 20.

He said: “I was sitting reading the paper and half-listening to the Lotto draw. When the first two numbers were read out I said to Liz that we were doing quite well.

“But I was stunned when I realised I had matched all six numbers. While I remained very calm, Liz was the opposite and became very excited, jumping up and down.

“I had to calm her down by celebrating with a nice cup of tea.”

Michael retired as chairman of Age Concern after 12 years last year, and said: “My role with Age Concern was very fulfilling but very busy. I’ve really enjoyed relaxing a little more in the last 12 months.”

He has played The National Lottery since it began over 13 years ago and plays the same Lotto numbers every Wednesday and Saturday. The lucky ticket was bought at Taylors Newsforce in Peterlee and the winning Lotto numbers last Saturday were 7, 12, 19, 23, 46 and 48.