15th Biggest Winner in UK Lottery History
The lucky player became the 15th biggest winner in UK lottery history on Friday 15th March after matching all five main numbers – 3, 15, 24, 42 and 46, and two Lucky Stars 9 and 12. He bought his winning ticket from The Co-Op on Ledbury Road in Hereford. Winners have 180 days from the date of a draw to come forward and claim a prize in the UK, and Goodchild wasted little time in doing so.
The National Lottery held a press conference in Worcestershire on Wednesday 20th March to promote his big win. Clearly in high spirits as he shared his news, an excited Goodchild couldn’t contain his excitement after becoming one of the biggest winners the UK has ever seen. He said: “I'm not one of these winners who is going to say this win won't change me. It bloody well will, or at least I'll give it a damn good go!”
He checked his ticket shortly after the draw on Saturday night using a National Lottery app, and revealed how it felt when he found out he was the winner of £71 million. He said: 'It gave me the winning 'ping' sound and I thought I might have won a fiver or something. But when I checked I thought hang on, it looks like I've won £71,000. I put my glasses on to double check and then spotted that it was the jackpot prize and that all my numbers were circled.
“Then I read the prize amount again and realised that it was actually £71 million and just one winner - me! It was then that I called my mum and dad. Their reaction was one of complete shock. I still don't think it's sunk in for them.”
Plans for the Money
Goodchild, whose family originate from South Wales, kept his ticket in his sock drawer for safe keeping before coming forward to claim his prize. He has revealed extensive plans to enjoy his new-found wealth, with plans to buy a new house, new car and go on holidays to The Grand Canyon and Egypt. He has left his job in the local metal factory, where he worked for the past 23 years.
“I've always wanted to see the pyramids so I'll be doing a Nile cruise. I've also got a cousin in Canada so I want to go to see him. Then there's the Grand Canyon and Vegas, I want to see the world. Like all parents, they worry about my mortgage, bills and how long I will have to work for. I've told my parents they can stop saving now and spend my inheritance."
Goodchild also revealed he has played the lottery “since it started”, and has always had a feeling he would win big one day. He described himself as “the happiest bloke you could imagine”.
Messages of Congratulations
Sarah Swain, team manager at the Co-Op store where the winning ticket was bought from, explained how Goodchild has been visiting the store for many years and she was overjoyed to hear he was the big winner. She said: “He's a lovely man. Of all the customers we have in here, no one deserves to have won more than Ade does.'
His former colleagues at the factory were also quick to pay tribute to the newly-crowned multi-millionaire. They said: “It couldn't have happened to a nicer fella. He's a top bloke. Always laughing and chatting. He used to joke about buying a mansion and living like a playboy if he ever won the lottery - now he can really live the dream.”
You could follow in the footsteps of Goodchild by entering this Friday’s draw for an estimated £24 million. Simply pick your numbers from any ticket retailer in the UK, or join an online syndicate.