A self-employed grounds worker from Westbury is in disbelief after taking home £80,000 in a once-in-a-lifetime scratchcard win.
John Biro picked up the Bejeweled Hypercash scratchcard on a whim after a visit to his late parents’ graves. He now plans to split his windfall 50/50 with his new girlfriend – enabling them both to pay off the mortgages on their houses.
The specialist Tarmac contractor has known his girlfriend Louise Watts for years, but they only started dating three weeks ago. The delighted couple couldn’t believe their luck and say the win has given them the perfect start to their life together.
John said, “I’ve never had any luck and now it all seems to be coming at once, first with Louise and me getting together, and then this win – it’s just unbelievable.
“I had been to my parents’ graves, which I always do this time of year, as both their birthdays fall at this time. I called in at the shop on the way to Louise’s, and bought us both a scratchcard, planning to split any winnings, as agreed.
“I scratched three matching numbers on my card, and thought I had won £8, which I was really happy with, but then when I revealed more numbers and realised we had won the top prize I just couldn’t believe it. Louise was in shock too and thought I had somehow faked a card and was winding her up!”
John, who has a daughter, Rebecca, and two grandchildren, now plans to pay off the mortgage on the two bedroom semi-detached home he has lived in for four years, and Louise will pay off the mortgage on her three-bedroom semi-detached home, also in Westbury.
John, who travels with his work and treats himself to scratchcards every now and then, also plans to revamp his kitchen and buy a surf van for his daughter.
John continued: “I still can’t believe my luck – the news hasn’t really sunk in yet. I never believed that amazing things like this could happen to someone like me!”
John’s winning Bejeweled Hypercash scratchcard was bought at McColls on High Street, Westbury.
