A grandfather from Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, who defied a terminal cancer prognosis five years ago, is celebrating an unexpected £65,000 win on The Pools. Gary Archer, 59, a self-employed gas engineer, correctly predicted five numbers, securing the substantial prize.
Mr. Archer revealed that he was initially sceptical when he received the call informing him of his win, believing it to be a prank. He had reportedly forgotten about a direct debit he had set up to play The Pools. Upon checking his account and verifying the payments, he realised the news was legitimate.
The win comes at a particularly poignant time for Mr. Archer, who was told he had only 18 months to live following a cancer diagnosis five years ago. Despite the challenging prognosis, he continues to battle the disease, stating that his treatment is proving effective. He explained that the winnings would significantly alleviate financial pressures, especially as his cancer treatment has reduced his capacity to work as many hours as before.
Looking ahead, Mr. Archer plans to use a portion of his winnings to pay off his mortgage, a move that will provide immense relief. He also intends to treat his family to a well-deserved holiday. This win follows a difficult period for the family, as Mr. Archer also shared the personal tragedy of losing one of his sons in a car crash two years ago.
The win also echoes a family legacy, as Mr. Archer's father also experienced a notable win on The Pools in the mid-1980s, securing over £5,000. This recent stroke of luck for Mr. Archer adds to a growing trend of significant wins for residents along the Lincolnshire coast, with Sutton-on-Sea residents sharing a £12.3 million People's Postcode Lottery jackpot earlier this year.