A young family recently experienced a significant turnaround in their fortunes with a £1 million lottery win following a challenging period. Matt Cole, 41, and Courtney Cockerton, 27, saw their lives transform after winning the life-changing prize shortly after their baby son, Rupert, underwent a major surgery to repair a cleft lip and palate.
The couple from Horsham described the past months as extremely tough, with baby Rupert undergoing a five-hour operation at just 12 weeks old. Instead of frequent hospital visits, the family is now planning a dream holiday to Disneyland Paris for Rupert and his two-and-a-half-year-old sister, Ivy.
Matt, employed as a quality assurance tester in the insurance sector, expressed the difficulties they faced, especially witnessing their baby undergo surgery at such a young age. He highlighted the exceptional support received from NHS staff during this challenging time.
Courtney acknowledged the impact on the entire family and praised Ivy for being a supportive older sister throughout Rupert’s treatment. She expressed her excitement about fulfilling their dream of taking Ivy to Disneyland Paris, thanks to their lottery win.
In addition to the holiday plans, the couple intends to use the money to purchase a new home and a car, providing them with increased security for the future. Matt’s win came from a Lucky Dip ticket that matched the UK Millionaire Maker code, leaving him astonished at his unexpected fortune.
Dean O’Field, Winner Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, commended the family and expressed joy for their well-deserved win. He highlighted the positive turn of events for the family after a challenging period, emphasizing the message that anyone could be the next lucky winner.