Scots lotto winner says £4m win tainted with sadness after husband’s death

A Scots Lottery winner who won a £4 million jackpot has spoken out about how her win was overshadowed by the sadness of her husband’s death. Donna Hendry, 54, shared her story as the National Lottery celebrated the 30th anniversary of the first ever Lottery tickets being sold. Donna, from West Lothian, and her husband David collected the £4,078,509 cheque in January 2015 before David tragically passed away following a short battle with cancer. The couple, who had been together for 30 years and married for 23, decided to quit their jobs after winning and purchased a larger home in the same area. They even fulfilled a dream by travelling to Memphis before David’s diagnosis in 2020. Donna said, “He died four months later and our son was only 18 at the time. He’s just graduated with a first, and I know his father would have been so proud.” Donna was joined by other winners from throughout the UK to mark the National Lottery’s 30-year milestone.

Lesley Higgins, 63, and her husband Fred, 74, won an astounding £57,975,367 EuroMillions jackpot in July 2018. The couple now resides on an expansive 850-acre estate near Perth, a purchase made possible by their life-changing win. Lesley revealed that their win not only transformed their lives but also potentially saved Fred’s life. Lesley explained, “It meant we could afford a custom-made kilt to attend our niece’s wedding. When Fred lost weight unexpectedly, we discovered he had health issues, leading to a vital diagnosis and surgery.” Additionally, Brian Sharp, 63, from East Lothian, won a £2,033,705 Lotto jackpot in June 2010 while working as an electrician. Brian and his wife Ann, 62, now live in their dream five-bedroom home by the river they used to walk along as a young couple. Brian shared their goal to attend every Formula 1 Grand Prix, which they have been able to do since winning.

The National Lottery has supported various good causes for the past 30 years, raising over £49 billion and awarding grants to projects and organisations across the UK. To celebrate this milestone, Scots winners, including Lesley, Donna, and Brian, were photographed by celebrity photographer Rankin along with 27 other millionaires. The portraits capture the transformative impact of winning the lottery on ordinary people’s lives. Reflecting on their wins, the winners shared stories of personal tragedies and life-changing experiences, illustrating the profound impact of the National Lottery on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, the stories of these lottery winners serve as a reminder of the life-altering impact of winning a large sum of money, showcasing both the joys and challenges that come with sudden wealth. Despite the financial windfall, the winners’ experiences highlight the importance of relationships, health, and personal fulfillment beyond material possessions. The National Lottery’s contributions to various causes have made a lasting difference in communities across the UK, emphasizing the positive impact of generosity and support for those in need.