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Life

17th Jan 2013

The Man Who Won’t Let The Lotto Win Change His Life: First Off, A Sensible Present For His Wife…

This couple have vowed that they won't let the money change their lives...

Her

Your husband wins the Lotto and splashes out on the luxury you’ve always wanted…

A classic pair of diamond earrings? A cruise through the Med? Or, in the case of this lady… a kitchen sink.

The UK’s newest lottery millionaire picked up his cheque this week and revealed his plans to splash out and treat his wife to a new stainless steel kitchen sink.

John Baxter, 63, also said the first thing he bought after realising he’d won the one million pound jackpot was a pair of slippers for a tenner in Tesco.

Mr Baxter won the massive amount on the EuroMillions raffle draw with a winning ticket he admits he nearly threw away. He has now promised to buy his wife, Carol, 64, the stainless steel sink she “has always wanted”.

And, although they said they will debate going abroad with the million win, the couple said they will still enjoy their usual holiday, in Great Yarmouth.

Mr Baxter also said he won’t give up work and the couple said they won’t move house either, just because it has taken them so long to get it the way they want it.

“I went to the shop to buy my lottery tickets for the week which I have always done on a Friday,” John explained to the Daily Mail.

“And I took the ticket from the week before to see if I had won anything – the honest truth is I nearly threw it away – but I took it down with me anyway.

“Gary, who works behind the counter, said ‘oh Camelot has said you have to call them’. I thought it was a wind up.

“It’s been madness we’ve had close friends and family in our house celebrating ever since. It’s only just sinking in.

“I just couldn’t sleep, I was guarding the ticket worried someone may come and pinch it.

“I went to the supermarket and splashed out a tenner on new slippers, I couldn’t think of anything else I really needed.

“We are a very close family and exceptionally down to earth people, we won’t let this go to our heads.

“I have worked hard my whole life and no intention to retire just because I have won the lottery.

“I have a couple of years left until my retirement, the airport were very good to me 11 years ago when I was unwell and supported me.

“I wouldn’t want to leave them in the lurch and I want to do right by them too – I’m a bit of a joker, they still don’t quite believe it’s true.”

First big purchase? Check.

The father-of-three said he had absolutely no idea he was a winner until he asked the local newsagent to check his ticket.

Retired funeral arranger Mrs Baxter said money “can’t buy health or happiness” but they have always been happy with their lot and will probably treat themselves to a holiday.

She said: “We could go and see whales which is something I’ve always wanted to do – but I think I’m a bit too old now.

“I’m happy with a holiday in Great Yarmouth and we will continue to have day trips and holidays there too.”