Baldock man talks about life as a EuroMillions winner
John Baxter won the lottery at the beginning of the year. - Credit: Archant
A LOTTERY winner who scooped a £1million jackpot earlier this year has spoken to Comet reporter CHANDNI TANNA about life since the big win.
John Baxter, from Baldock, won £1million in the EuroMillions draw in January, and since then he and his wife Carol have enjoyed numerous holidays, made various donations to charity, and helped family and friends financially.
But Mr Baxter insists life has remained relatively normal.
The 64-year-old said: “Winning the money has meant we don’t have to worry about our finances. We can spend more time giving to others and helping charitable causes, which we have done.”
Asked when it first hit home he was now a millionaire, he said: “When I was presented with the plastic cheque. Until then it was all a blur. We couldn’t believe it. We didn’t sleep for days.”
The father-of-three and grandfather-of-nine retired as a technical service assistant at Luton Airport a month after he won his million.
“I called up my boss and said I wouldn’t be coming into work on Monday,” said Mr Baxter.
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“I retired a year before I was due to on Valentine’s Day and I have to say I genuinely miss my work. I was there for 16 years.”
Mr Baxter, who has suffered ill health and a triple heart bypass, bought the winning ticket at his corner shop – Basra Store on Clothall Common.
He said: “One thing money can’t buy is good health, but I am happy with what I have and I don’t think we have changed as people and nor has our lifestyle. I still eat my bowl of cornflakes each morning and go to the corner shop to buy my paper.”
Mr Baxter still plays the lottery and buys two tickets on Tuesdays and Fridays, and four on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
“We have been responsible with our money,” he said. “We have had a few nice holidays to Turkey, a cruise to the Canary Islands and a holiday to Lanzarote, but we have also helped our friends and family and that has been the best thing about winning the money.”
Mr Baxter said the most expensive thing he has bought for himself are two suits and shirts costing a total of £500.
Mrs Baxter, 64, said: “I have bought a few nice things like a watch and a ring and an expensive dress. I really don’t want for anything and I’m comfortable with what we have and happy to enjoy life and spend time with family.”
