Cancer survivor scoops up National Lottery prize pot just 12 months after life-saving surgery

He is planning a trip to the Canary Islands after bagging a Thunderball win of £500,000.

Lingard, a maintenance engineer, claimed the windfall means he can take his first week of unpaid leave since he started work aged 16.

He said: “I visit Tenerife three or four times a year but when I left in September, I told friends I probably couldn’t make it back before early 2025.

"Now thanks to my Thunderball luck, I can afford to take a week off – unpaid – and head back for a little winter sun, and to celebrate with my friends over there.

“I may also do a little house-hunting while I’m on the island. It would be nice to have a bolt-hole for the future, and it will also be a way to share my good fortune with those closest to me who will be able to use it for their holidays too.”

Lingard added: “When I was first diagnosed I would head to Gorleston beach to find some peace and process the implications of my treatment.

• National Lottery winners use £1million prize pot for unusual job change after moving abroad
• UK's youngest National Lottery winner welcomes FIFTH baby after blowing jackpot on 'cocaine and plastic surgery'
• National Lottery player won £1million - before losing it all just weeks later

“It’s crazy to think that at the start of the year I would come to the beach to find inner peace in all the turmoil of the treatment and my worries about the future.

“I couldn’t have dreamt that less than 12 months later I would be here celebrating a National Lottery win.”

Lingard played Lucky Dip after winning the Thunderball numbers on September 25.

After waiting for 24 hours, Lingard noticed the value that he thought was £500.10 was actually £500,000 with an extra £10.

Despite cashing in, the 66-year-old has no plans of retiring any time soon.

Lingard still enjoys playing golf in his spare time but will prioritise working part-time to head to the course more often.

He said: “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.”