Lottery winning Whittlesey dad and daughter thank shopkeeper for jackpot win

Derek Daniels (77) and his daughter, Lorraine (41), visited Parkers News on Market Street in Whittlesey to thank Mrs Parker and her team for their part in the £729,026 win with a huge bouquet of flowers, a bottle of Champagne and box of chocolates.

Delighted to have seen a regular local shopper win the life-changing amount, the thank you was particularly poignant for Mrs Parker who said:

“We have owned and run Parker News for more than 35 years. Since we started with The National Lottery in 2001 my husband, Steve, dreamt of selling a Lotto jackpot ticket. Sadly, he passed away last year and while he did sell a few big winners, never a jackpot. I like to think he will be looking down on us today, smiling and overjoyed that Parkers News has now sold that winning Lotto jackpot ticket!

“He’d be especially chuffed that the win has gone to such a deserving family, it just couldn’t be a better outcome.”

Also smiling are Derek and Lorraine who are both enjoying life since their big win. Derek is still a regular visitor to Parkers News, picking up his Lotto tickets with the same winning numbers the pair have been playing since Lorraine’s daughter, Lotus, was born. Everyday he thanks his lucky stars for the win, commenting: “Being able to say thank you to the team at Parkers News is the least we can do. I’ve been coming here for years and it just makes it that bit more special that a local shop sold us our winning ticket.

“Since we celebrated in April I’ve bought myself a new car but without doubt, the best part of the win has been the peace of mind this has given me for Lorraine and Lotus’ future.”

With Lorraine busy finalising the paperwork for the purchase of a new home to call their own in the Whittlesey area, Derek is right to enjoy the peace of mind. Lorraine said: “It’s been a wonderful whirlwind since we celebrated our Lotto win. I’ve spent lots of time looking at houses, searching for the perfect new home for Lotus and I. At last we have found it, and I can’t wait to do the renovations that will create the perfect home for my wonderful little girl and me.

“I’ve also invested a chunk for the future but other than that, for now, it’s business as usual for our little family, keeping Lotus happy and healthy, and making plans for the summer holidays”

Lotus (6) who is hemiplegic as a result of a major operation in 2014, is also enjoying the win, finally taking delivery of the longed for trampoline which will grace the extensive lawns of their new home.

Just before the win, the community of Whittlesey had very kindly raised funds for Lotus to have a specialist bed. Derek and Lorraine immediately paid this money back and have been able to make a significant donation to the Whittlesey Roundtable to distribute to projects and individuals in need in the local community.

The Daniel’s syndicate were one of three lucky ticket-holders to share the £2,187,078 jackpot from the Lotto draw on 20 April, 2016.