Lottery winner will keep working in health service after life-changing £1 million win
/
Marion Wood and Michael Williams with their £1 million check. PHOTO: UK National Lottery / Sam Bagnall
A 60-year-old woman will keep working in UK’s National Health Service (NHS) after winning £1 million (US$1,317,000).
Marion Wood said she will continue her job at Northampton General Hospital, after winning the National Lottery prize along with friend Michael Williams, 67, a retired construction worker.
The UK National Lottery winning Saturday night draw. VIDEO: UK National Lottery
“Working through Covid in the NHS has been tough,” she said.
“The amount of work has increased and, unfortunately, I have lost many family and friends.
“However, work has kept me going, I love my job and I won’t be leaving even after this amazing win.”
Marion and Michael celebrate after receiving the check in a presentation this week. PHOTOS: UK National Lottery / Sam Bagnall
The pair matched five main numbers plus the Bonus Ball in the National Lottery draw on Saturday, March 12.
At the start they thought they’d won a £1,000 prize and “squeaked” when they realised they’d actually grabbed £1 million.
Marion said: “I looked, looked again. Michael was going through the numbers one by one, and he kept on saying ‘it’s a million, it’s a million’”
Originally both from Wales, Marion and Michael had a cup of tea after realising the amount they had won.
Andy Carter, 48, works for National Lottery operator Camelot advising winners like Marion Wood. PHOTO: UK National Lottery
“I’m a big tea drinker, so we had a cup of tea and sat in stunned silence as we absorbed what had just happened,” said Ms Wood.
“I didn’t tell a soul at first, I just carried on as normal holding on to the lucky ticket wherever I went.
“I kept the ticket in my diary, which I keep in my purse, until the lady from Camelot visited to check it and confirmed that Michael and I actually were big winners.”
What they would do with their winnings? Marion said she may treat herself to some jewellery “to remember how I felt when I won.”
Michael plans to buy a car and some rugby memorabilia, as well as treat his family.
“Whatever we do we’ll be wise and make things comfortable, it’s an amazing amount to enable Michael and I to have security at this time of life,” said Marion.
