17 October 2018

Long lost Lotto winner revealed as train driver with a heart of gold

More than one month since the draw, a train driver from the City of Cockburn has finally come forward to claim his $408,233 Saturday Lotto prize.

The regular player said he always has his Lotto tickets in his wallet but never really pays attention to the draw dates or numbers.

Every few weeks he gives the pile of tickets to his mum to check so she can have the thrill of the prize reveal.

But this time on a whim, he unsuspectingly went into his favourite Lotterywest store, Gateway News and Lottery Centre, to check the tickets himself.

“I was just talking to the staff at the store about the missing ticket and who it could be - turned out it was me!” said the man.

He said he’d been caring for his mum who’s been battling cancer for the last five months and said the big win had brought a burst of energy to the close knit family.

“As a family we often talk about what it would be like to win and now we’re experiencing it and it feels great!” he said.

With his $408,233 prize, the winner plans to reunite his mum with her sister who lives interstate and treat them to a cruise.

“I may retire early, although I enjoy my job so much I might just go casual,” he said.

“I don’t really need anything but I’ve had my eye on a new phone and might upgrade my car, but there’s no rush.

“Fingers crossed the good news continues this week and mum gets the all clear so our family can enjoy good times ahead.”

The happy-go-lucky winner says he’ll keep playing Lotto because it feels good to give back, with funds spent on tickets supporting the Western Australian community.

“I better let mum check the tickets next time!” he said.

Thanks to those that play Lotterywest games, Lotterywest is able to support community organisations that are providing services to people diagnosed with cancer including a $34,000 grant to Two Rocks Yanchep Assisted Cancer Travels for a vehicle which can comfortably transport patients to appointments and treatment.

Local players have a chance to win big in the upcoming $20 million Saturday Lotto Superdraw on 27 October 2018.

Tickets are available until 6pm the day of the draw from Lotterywest in-store, online or through the app. 

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Media Enquiries Pina Compagnone: 9488 6227 / 0438 996 884