A carpenter from Devon has landed a £3.6million National Lottery jackpot thanks to an unexpected change in his shopping plans.
Sean Henderson, 39, from Ilfracombe, claimed the top prize on the Set For Life game, securing £10,000 monthly payments for three decades.
The father's fortune came about when he found no parking spaces at Lidl after finishing work.
"I had finished work and popped to Lidl to grab some tea," he said.
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"There was literally nowhere to park so I decided to go to The Co-op instead."
Upon entering the store, Mr Henderson spotted the lottery stand and felt compelled to purchase a ticket.
"Something just told me to buy a ticket - I was feeling lucky, and it turns out that I certainly was! This purchase has changed my life forever - and that of my little boy's too."
The curious player discovered his life-changing fortune the next morning whilst preparing his coffee, but anxiety quickly set in about safeguarding the precious slip of paper.
A National Lottery winner pocketed £3.6million after car park chaos triggered a life-changing decision
|GETTY
He immediately tucked the ticket between the pages of his favourite book to keep it secure.
"I was so scared of losing the ticket - or actually waking up and finding out it had all been a dream," the father explained.
The days that followed saw Mr Henderson repeatedly verifying his win.
"I would literally wake up every single morning in the days which followed and continuously check the ticket over and over again - just to keep confirming that I was definitely a winner."
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'This purchase has changed my life forever - and that of my little boy's too,' the lucky winner said
|GETTY
Despite his windfall, Henderson intends to remain in the carpentry trade he has practised since the age of 16, though the financial security will allow him greater flexibility and the option to avoid working during inclement weather.
The winner, who turns 40 next week, has already arranged a five-star holiday to the Canary Islands with his partner to mark the milestone birthday.
His spending plans also include purchasing a property, enjoying restaurant outings with family, and buying his son a PlayStation 5.
Mr Henderson additionally plans to provide "a few treats" for his son's local team, per the Daily Mail.
Andy Carter, Senior Winners' Advisor at Allwyn, which operates The National Lottery, offered his congratulations to Mr Henderson.
"Sean's story is a brilliant example of how a National Lottery win can come at just the right moment," Mr Carter said.
"After working hard since leaving school, the chance to really enjoy life and treat those closest to him is now possible with his fabulous Set For Life win!"
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