An elderly couple have scooped up a lifechanging £1million Euromillions jackpot. 77-year-old Ian Anderson and his wife Marylyn, 70, have been pictured celebrating the incredible lottery win.
However, there is a heartbreaking story behind the prize money. Ian, from Stirling in Scotland has a terminal illness and is looking to maximise the time he has left.
The couple say they don’t have much in the way of home comforts. But now, thanks to their astonishing windfall, they are planning for Ian to live the final part of his life in luxury.
Following the win Marlyn said: “This win couldn’t have come at a better time. It will ensure Ian can have the very best quality of life in the time he has left.”
The couple, who have been married for 32 years, say a spacious bungalow in their area is top of their list.
Marlyn added: “as a result of Ian’s condition he is unable to get upstairs. His health is deteriorating, and he struggles to breathe so we currently have our living room set up like a bedsit. We have no other option.
“Buying a bungalow – and I think I have seen one already – will allow Ian to have his own bedroom and for us to have a sitting room too, all on one level. This will be so special as it is something we haven’t been able to do for such a long time. He will be able to live the rest of his life in comfort.”
Marlyn, used to a carer, supporting people with learning disabilities and dementia, but now her sole focus is being a full-time carer for Ian who requires oxygen almost all the time to aid his condition of pleural plaques and pulmonary fibrosis.
The condition is thought to have emerged as a result of Ian’s working in the construction industry for most of his life and being exposed to asbestos.
Marlyn added that she and Ian had been around the world together prior to his debilitating condition, travelling to Australia and other foreign holidays.
But due to Ian now requiring round-the-clock access to oxygen, the couple are unable to travel like they used to.
The pair say the landmark win gives them comfort, as now Marlyn will be financially secure after Ian passes away. The cash injection should ensure the rest of their family – two children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild – are adequately looked after too.
Marlyn plays The National Lottery online and she said she bought her winning ticket, after realising she had £4.90 sitting in her account.
She explained, “I just thought there is no point £4.90 just sitting in my account, I will buy a Lucky Dip ticket for the next draw.
“It was the day after the draw that I logged on to my emails just to see if there was any news about my ticket and there was! An email saying there was good news about my ticket. I initially thought we had won £1,000 and I was absolutely delighted.
“I then started to count the zeros – and couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing – so I counted them again! I just kept thinking it couldn’t be true and it must be a scam! I was desperately watching the clock tick to 8am when I could call The National Lottery number to confirm if what I was seeing really was true!
“I couldn’t believe it when the person on the other end of the phone told me it was! I actually don’t think the news has fully sunk in yet! Neither Ian nor I can believe it. It still all seems very surreal! There is no other word to describe what we are going through right now!”
The couple has already forked out for a new car – a Citroen DS 7 Rivoli – and say they are eyeing up a new bungalow.
