A lorry driver who has been delivering parcels to Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex for more than 30 years plans to finally park up and retire, thanks to an incredible Lotto jackpot win of £5.2M.
Gary MacDonald (60), from Barking, can’t wait to start a new life of freedom with partner of 25 years Anita (55), as they set their sights firmly on a slower pace of life, new home and a large garden to make their own.
It all started last Thursday when Gary got up at 5.20am to start his working day and spotted an email from The National Lottery stating: ‘Good news about your ticket’. Gary was initially delighted to discover he had won £35 – until he realised there was an additional prize of over £5.2m.
Gary explains; “It is difficult to make sense of it. It said I had won £5,208,504 and to ‘please call The National Lottery straight away’. Anita thought it was five thousand and something. I was saying ‘no love, it’s more than that’.
“I tried calling but of course the line was closed at 5.30 in the morning! 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.”
Gary quickly came to the realisation that he probably wasn’t going to work that day after all, or indeed ever again.
Gary explains: “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.
“I had been thinking about slowing down for the last five or six years. I have always worked and enjoyed what I do but it is physically hard work.”
“People won’t stop swearing at me!”
Once the win was confirmed, Gary shared the good news with family members, including his daughter who thought he was teasing.
“It’s been a crazy few days, I can’t believe everyone’s reaction. I don’t think I have ever been sworn at so much – the air has definitely been blue in Essex”, said Gary.
Gary’s bucket list plans
Top of the couple’s wish list is to finally tie-the-knot. They were already looking at holding a civil ceremony later in the year but have now brought it forward to the summer with plans to make it a bigger celebration.
A search for their new home is also underway, as they hope to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and finally have a large garden and more bedrooms for family get-togethers.
Indulging his passion for Formula 1 and witnessing it in person is high on Gary’s bucket list. Gary says: “we both love Formula 1 and I never miss a race on TV. We follow all the British drivers. Even if it starts at 3am, I’m up and watching it.”
Gary reflected on how it may take a while to adapt to their new life: “We have worked hard all our lives and never really had time for hobbies or past times. Any spare time has been spent supporting others, we were brought up to put others first. 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!”
The lucky couple have revealed their very first purchase after the Lotto windfall was a Shark vacuum cleaner.
“We still shopped around for the best deal on the vacuum cleaner. We are not flash people; we are very down to earth and know the value of things.” Gary concludes.
Gary has always played Lotto each week since the game started and now plays online. His winning Lotto numbers on Wednesday 6th April, 2025 were: 27, 36, 39, 48, 57 and 59.
