A lucky Brecon couple have scooped a second National Lottery jackpot in an odds-defying win.
Richard Davies, 49, a courier driver, and his wife Faye Stevenson-Davies, 43, a mental health practitioner, previously won £1million seven years ago.
The couple discovered they had matched five main numbers and the Bonus Ball in the Lotto draw on November 26, securing another £1million win.
They first hit the jackpot in June 2018 and never gave up on the idea of winning again.
“We always believed winning was possible,” said Mrs Stevenson-Davies.
“Once we scooped £1million and met hundreds of other lucky winners, we realised fairytales do come true and that there are winners everywhere.
“We knew the odds of it happening again were outrageous, but we’re proof that if you believe, anything is possible.”
Their latest success came through a series of four consecutive Lotto draws.
The couple won £1million for a second time
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By matching two numbers and receiving a free Lucky Dip ticket, the couple did not need to buy a ticket for every draw.
Mr Davies explained: “When you match two numbers in the Lotto draw, you automatically win a Lucky Dip for the next game — and that’s exactly what happened to us.
“We matched two numbers and won a free Lucky Dip from the draw on the 15th, which put us into the next draw, and so on, until the winning draw on Wednesday, November 26.”
Despite their incredible luck, the couple say the win will not bring major upheaval, particularly over the festive period.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
They never gave up winning again
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Mr Davies will continue working seven days a week to ensure Christmas deliveries are completed, while Mrs Stevenson-Davies will carry on supporting her mental health clients throughout the festive season, including on Christmas Day.
She said: “That first win meant I was able to give up work as a mental health nurse and return to university, where I gained a second degree in Counselling and Therapeutic Practice.
“I now have my own practice and also provide counselling services with local organisations, including Brecon & District Mind charity and The DPJ Foundation.
“I feel blessed every day to be doing something so meaningful thanks to that first bit of luck, and I’m not going to abandon my clients because of the second.”
The pair after winning the jackpot in 2018
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Mr Davies added: “After a while, I was able to give up hairdressing — something I’d done since leaving school. I put down the scissors before agreeing to help a friend with a couple of days of courier work. That was two years ago, and now I work seven days a week and love it.
“Everyone keeps asking what we’ll do in the future, and we genuinely have no idea at present. Just because we believed doesn’t mean we had a plan.
“The first time around, we gifted people cars, donated a minibus to the local rugby team, and did our best to help friends and family. It was all new and amazing to be able to make such a difference. This time, who knows? We’ll take our time and enjoy the moment.”
Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said: “I can still remember the day I met Richard and Faye for the first time, and it’s just as special to be with them as they celebrate their second £1m National Lottery win. Seeing the positive impact of that first win, I know this second one will be just as meaningful.
“Players winning more than once is unusual, but like all the best magic, it isn’t impossible. We have supported winners who have celebrated double wins with us, and there are even a few lucky addresses dotted around the UK that I’ve visited more than twice.
“With more than 7,700 millionaires already made in the UK, there are big winners in every corner of the country — and maybe even one on your street.”