A teenager has won £240,000 ($296,000) on a National Lottery scratchcard but, unfortunately, he can’t spend it anywhere as he and his whole family are in isolation due to COVID-19.
Kyle Burke from Stoke-on-Trent participated in the National Lottery that took place on March 19. Luckily, the 18-year-old managed to grab the gigantic prize on a scratchcard worth just £2 ($2.19).
Kyle, who works in JD Sports as a shop assistant, says he was absolutely surprised to learn that he is going to get £20,000 ($24,700) on a monthly basis for an entire year.
Speaking to Stoke Sentinel, he said: “I popped to the local shop for a few bits and bobs and decided to have a go on a scratchcard.
“The thought of winning every month more than I earn in a year sounded too good an opportunity to miss. As soon as a got home, I scratched it and I realized I had won.”
He added: “I dashed back to the shop to ask them to check it. I was shaking and so nervous. The lady shop assistant told me to call The National Lottery so I did.
“During the phone call they asked me for the shop details, so I ran around again and asked the same lady behind the counter for all that information while still on the phone to The National Lottery.
“I finally got home again and after all that to-ing and fro-ing, just sat down in disbelief.”
Though Kyle is extremely happy with what he has got, he is unable to spend his money due to the virus lockdown.
Kyle’s dad is also in isolation for 12 weeks before he could continue his job as a porter at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Likewise, his mom and younger siblings are also in isolation.
He said: “I know how tough it is for everybody at the moment, especially with my dad working for the NHS.
“But not celebrating and staying at home is the right thing to do. It gives me a lot longer to think about what I’m going to spend my money on.”
The young boy made a sensible decision to stay at home as the dollars he has earned will still be there at the end of the lockdown.
He said: “I’ve currently got a provisional driving license so when I pass my test, I will get a car. All I can do at the moment is look at my banking app to see what my increasing balance is, which is just mad.
“The guys at The National Lottery have sent me a digital big check and have promised to send me the usual big one plus a bottle of champagne as soon as it is safe to.
“I will keep self-isolating, washing my hands and not venturing out until everything changes back to normal.”
Replaced!