Frank, 65, had already used the £31,449 jackpot winnings he collected in November 2015 on helping his kids – one to go to university and the other to set up her first home.
And now, after striking lucky for a second time – winning a £67,000 Health Lottery jackpot - Frank has promised to help those who supported his partner Ann through a cancer battle, and a gym which teaches disadvantaged youngsters how to box.
Plus, the pair are even planning to tie the knot next year!
Frank, who works as a tutor, said: “It’s absolutely fabulous to have won this prize. Totally unexpected. I was at home, working, when someone from The Health Lottery called to tell me I’d won a motorhome, or the cash equivalent.
“I didn’t believe it at first. In fact, I thought it was a hoax but soon discovered it was real. I think I lost my voice at that point!
“I’ve been playing The Health Lottery since it was launched. I was a little bit disillusioned with other lotteries and I wanted to contribute directly to
charitable causes
. Both Ann and I felt it’s the least we could do.”
Frank said he likes to use the same numbers out of “laziness”. He added, “I felt eventually something would turn up and I’m pleased that it has! The numbers I picked have a sequence. Primarily birthdays, which everyone uses. It’s been quite successful!”
Frank and Ann have been through the mill themselves after she was struck down with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma back in 2010, and a grand-daughter was also diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of four.
Frank added: “Ann had two young children to care for and was worried she wouldn’t get to see them grow up. Her chemotherapy started on her 50th birthday in Wansbeck Hospital Oncology Dept. The treatment was severe and made her feel really quite ill.
“Thankfully, Ann is now clear of cancer and she has six-monthly blood checks to monitor her condition. It’s a joy for her to see her children grow into fine young adults. “Illness in anyone’s family is often a very traumatic event, and cancer always takes a massive toll. It doesn’t matter who you are, or how old you are. You need lots of coping strategies, but more than that you need lots of people there to support you.
“What surprised me was the amount of support on offer from charities like Clic Sargent and Marie Curie. It was wonderful to have them take over the stress and the strains of trying to get through another day. They came through for us, so I’d like to give them something as well from my lottery win. They are worth their weight in gold.
“Unfortunately, Ann, who’s also in education, had to reduce her working hours, but this win has allowed us both to regain a little more independence as we near a well-earned retirement.
“I think we would like to put our feet up and enjoy a nice cup of tea in the garden – Ann’s idea of heaven. She’s even started doing The Health Lottery too – just in case!”
He added: “It’s been incredible to win twice. Could we win a third time? Well, I won’t stop playing so we’ll have to wait and see!”
