Norfolk man celebrates National Lottery win after cancer surgery

A man said he felt like he was on “cloud nine” after winning £500,000 on the National Lottery, exactly one year after having surgery for cancer.

John Lingard, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, said his prize had “taken a bit of getting used to”, having played the lottery since its inception 30 years ago.

The 66-year-old computer maintenance engineer was given a cancer diagnosis – and underwent surgery to have a kidney removed to stop the spread of the disease – but has since been given a clean bill of health.

He said his success was a cause for a “total celebration, not only the [lottery] win but of life”.

Mr Lingard bought a lucky dip ticket for the Thunderball draw on 25 September and received an automatic message congratulating him the day after.

As he saw no increase in his account’s available funds, he “went to work and didn’t give it another thought”.

He said: “It was only 24 hours later that I finally read my messages and the penny started to drop, although not fully, because at first glance I thought it was £500.10.”

However, he realised the actual win was £500,000, plus £10 on another line.

He said he planned to use some of the winnings to head to Tenerife for some winter sun, but added he had no plans to retire.

“I’ve always been in work and, while I enjoy spending time with friends and I’m partial to a round of golf, I’ll keep working, albeit part-time, for a while yet.

“And having been through such a challenging time with my cancer diagnosis and treatment, I want to be sure I make the most of every moment, whether that’s work, rest or play.”

Mr Lingard celebrated his win at Gorleston beach, where he went to find “peace” and “process the implications” of his treatment.

He said he “couldn’t have dreamt” that one year on he would be back at the beach celebrating a lottery win.