The 60-year-old rang his boss to resign after learning of his jackpot win
A lorry driver who scooped £5.2 million on the lottery quit his job and bought a new hoover with his winnings.
While many would be eager to secure a dream home, flash car or to take off on a luxurious holiday after becoming a millionaire overnight, that wasn’t where Gary MacDonald’s mind went.
The delivery driver from Barking, east London, opted for a Shark vacuum as his first purchase after the £5.2 million made its way into his bank account.
“We still shopped around for the best deal on the vacuum cleaner,” Gary said. “We are not flash people; we are very down to earth and know the value of things.”
The 60-year-old – who has been delivering parcels to Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, Essex for more than 30 years – rang his boss to resign after learning of his Lotto jackpot win.
He got up at 5.20am to start his working day and spotted an email from The National Lottery stating: “Good news about your ticket.”
He was initially delighted to discover he had won £35, then realised there was an additional prize of more than £5.2 million.
“It is difficult to make sense of it,” said Mr MacDonald. “It said I had won £5,208,504 and to ‘please call The National Lottery straight away’.
“I tried calling but of course the line was closed at 5.30 in the morning!”
He added: “I’ve always been a laid-back person but that was the longest two and a half hours of my life waiting until the phone lines open at 8.00am.
“It dawned on me that there was absolutely no point in doing another day’s work, not today, not any day.
“So, at 6.30am, I called my boss and resigned.”
Gary now plans to marry his partner of 25 years, Anita, and they have begun house-hunting for a place with a large garden away from the city.
“It’s been a crazy few days, I can’t believe everyone’s reaction,” he continued.
“I don’t think I have ever been sworn at so much – the air has definitely been blue in Essex.”
The keen Formula One fan also plans to go to watch a race in person.
“We have worked hard all our lives and never really had time for hobbies or pastimes,” Gary said.
“It will be amazing to have the time and money to now treat ourselves a little and maybe try something new.
“Just this morning I thought maybe I might try lawn bowls!”
Gary said he has played Lotto each week since the game started and now plays online.
His winning numbers in the draw on April 6 were: 27, 36, 39, 48, 57 and 59.