A Lottery Win by Accident
Eric Tarry, a lottery winner, hit the jackpot of £7.5 million by accident. He was 78 years old when he matched six numbers on a Lucky Dip ticket. Eric and his wife Sue had been playing the same numbers every week since the launch of the Lottery in November 1994. However, on November 29, 2008, Eric forgot what their usual numbers were and ended up choosing six random numbers.
A Welcoming Memory Lapse
Eric's random number selection turned out to be the most fortunate memory lapse of his life. The winning numbers were 10, 34, 35, 39, 43, and 47. But the couple experienced an additional stroke of luck when Sue also played their usual numbers and won.
A Life-Changing Moment
Eric, recalling the life-changing moment, said, "I got up and went to my laptop computer and checked my saved numbers. Our regular ticket won £10. I got my other ticket and it said, 'Congratulations you are a winner.' We haven't slept since – can't eat, can't sleep."
Desires and Responsibilities
Sue wanted to use some of the winnings to finish the kitchen in their five-bedroom home in Fakenham, Norfolk. Eric, on the other hand, had his heart set on a motorhome, as the couple had never flown before. Their previous holiday was a short break to Suffolk in 1984. The couple also planned to take care of their family, including five children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
The Day Job Remains
Despite their newfound wealth, Eric and Sue vowed not to give up their car repair business, which they considered their way of life. Eric stated, "It's our way of life. I've got lots and lots of lovely customers who are friends as well. It's something we do every day. It's not easy to give up."
