Lotto jackpot of £5.2m scooped by lorry driver - who reveals first purchase with fortune

A lorry driver has scooped a massive fortune from the and says he plans to retire to follow his favourite sport around the .

Gary MacDonald, 60, from Barking, is looking forward to starting a new life of freedom with his partner of 25 years Anita, with whom he now plans on tying the knot. Gary first learned to had won some cash when he got up at 5.20am to start his day and saw an email from the lottery congratulating him for his win. He at first was delighted as he thought he was £35 richer, until he read on and discovered he was now rich enough to retire the same day.

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The couple have big plans for the cash, including following around the world and a new home. Before that though, his first purchase was a Shark vacuum cleaner. Gary said: “It dawned on me 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.

"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.

“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.”

Gary matched winning Lotto numbers on Wednesday 6th April which were 27, 36, 39, 48, 57 and 59. Once the win was confirmed, Gary shared the good news with family members, including his daughter who thought at first he was teasing her.

He added: "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.

"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."