A LUCKY punter took home £500,000 using the same ‘secret trick’ he had in his pocket for 25 years.
Raymond Young revealed he’s been using the same lucky numbers since the Thunderball draw launched two-and-a-half decades ago.
The Edinburgh man, 63, recently finished up his job at British Gas and appeared set for the standard life in retirement.
That all changed when his Thunderball numbers finally struck lightning.
His winning numbers on Saturday 23 March were 12, 14, 17, 25, 29, with 14 the Thunderball.
Raymond discovered he’d won the top prize when he checked his numbers in the middle of the night, but was in such disbelief that he convinced himself he was dreaming.
He said: “I had woken up in the middle of the night and randomly decided to check my numbers, which led me to see that I had won the top prize … I genuinely thought it was all a dream.
“So, when I decided to have another check in the morning, this time fully awake, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that I was still a winner!”
Raymond immediately headed to his favourite seaside town Blackpool to celebrate.
“It holds such special memories and I just love visiting a few times a year,” he said.
“I’ve been going there my whole life, from playing on the beach as a kid to staying with friends over the last decade, so it just had to be the place I chose to celebrate my win!”
Raymond also splurged on a new car and a static caravan for more coastal getaways.
“I’ve wanted a static caravan for a long time.
“I’ve chosen a beautiful spot on the coast, so I can’t wait to start going there with my family and friends.”
Raymond bought his winning ticket from the Keystore in Dalkeith.
