'Every minute is a gift': Throat cancer survivor scoops £1million lottery jackpot

7 June 2024, 14:44

'Every minute is a gift': Throat cancer survivor scoops £1million lottery jackpot
'Every minute is a gift': Throat cancer survivor scoops £1million lottery jackpot. Picture: Alamy / National Lottery

By Danielle de Wolfe

A throat cancer survivor who scooped a £1million lottery win has said "every minute is a gift" as he reveals plans to travel the world with his wife.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Dave Williams, 58, from Cardiff, required "extensive and aggressive treatment" after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of throat cancer.

The diagnosis saw Mr Williams forced to remove part of his jaw and require facial reconstruction following treatment.

Explaining that he and his wife have "both had it tough in recent years", Mr Williams added that the pair are "not wasting any time" where future plans are concerned.

The mechanic bagged the £1million payout after purchasing a EuroMillions Millionaire Maker ticket.

He now plans to hand over control of business to his daughter, as the pair jet off on early retirement.

Dave Williams, 58, from Cardiff, required "extensive and aggressive treatment" after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of throat cancer.
Dave Williams, 58, from Cardiff, required "extensive and aggressive treatment" after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of throat cancer. Picture: National Lottery

His wife, 55-year-old Sarah Williams, also suffers from serious health conditions, including an inflammatory spinal condition, and now hopes the huge win will make both of their lives easier.

However, before the couple depart, Mr Williams says his wife must overcome her fear of flying.

"We know that every minute is a gift," Mr Williams added in an interview with the BBC, highlighting the pair's plans to buy their "dream home" and "travel the world'.

Read more: Two luxury multi-million pound Victorian forts up for sale featuring spas, a pub and laser battle arena

Read more: Sealed with a kiss: UK's 'most eligible bachelor' marries in front of Prince William at society wedding of the year

"Just when I was on the mend, Sarah was treated for a catalogue of problems including spondylitis, an inflammation of the spine which is affecting her freedom of movement and putting her in almost constant pain.

"While it’s been really tough, we’re still here; this win feels like the light at the end of a very long tunnel and for once, it’s not the train coming towards us."

The winner told of his initial suspicions that there had been a mistake after phoning Allwyn's winners hotline.

He said he initially suspected a win of £100,000, but when the call-handler put him on hold, he became worried that there had been a mistake.

He said he initially suspected a win of £100,000, but when the call-handler put him on hold, he became worried that there had been a mistake.
He said he initially suspected a win of £100,000, but when the call-handler put him on hold, he became worried that there had been a mistake. Picture: Alamy

"When the gentleman came back on the line to say 'Mr Williams, you said you’ve won £100,000' and paused, my heart really sank, only to leap once more when he continued 'I’m pleased to tell you, you’ve actually won £1m'."

A jubilant Mr Williams now plans to invest part of the winnings in the couple's future, as well as exploring the United Kingdom by camper van.

"I'd always hoped and dreamed I'd win a life changing amount on The National Lottery," he says.

"But in all my daydreams, while there have been many ways I thought I'd celebrate this sort of news, swearing loudly for a good five minutes wasn't one of them," he admits.

Tonight's EuroMillions jackpot currently stands at £108 million.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Quinn Parker

'Inhumane' NHS trust admits maternity failings as three babies die within months of each other

The Aesculapian snake can grow up to two metres in length

Europe's biggest snake 'thriving' in UK and living in people's attics, study finds

The Aurora Borealis, Or Northern Lights, Visible From Large Swath Of North America

Northern Lights to be visible across parts of UK tonight

Zhenhao Zou is accused of rape

Woman 'among ten accusing Chinese student of rape' in London left 'angry and ashamed after attack', court told

London, UK. 28th January, 2025. Attorney General Richard Hermer arrives in Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting. Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Alamy Live News

Labour spat as peer brands attorney general Lord Hermer 'arrogant, progressive fool' and calls for him to quit

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Soldier, 19, complained of 'unwelcome behaviour' from 'psychotic and possessive' boss before taking her own life

Watch the rousing Super Bowl ad directed by Michael Bay on behalf of the Secret Service

US Secret Service spends millions on recruitment film from Hollywood director Michael Bay

Father jailed for at least 15 years after murdering daughter, 14, in 'kitchen play fight'

Scarlett Vickers' grandad defends father who stabbed teen to death in 'kitchen play fight'

Israeli captive Eli Sharabi was handed over on Saturday

Hamas delays the release of hostages 'until further notice' over claims Israel violated ceasefire deal

Donald Trump has said he is working on a plan to broker a deal to bring an end the war in Ukraine

Trump's Russia-Ukraine plan explained: How the US President intends to end the war

Britain's King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, center, speak to teachers and school children as they visit Nansledan School in Newquay, England, Monday, Feb.

King Charles turns tour guide as Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner embark on royal visit to Cornish housing project

a

Labour suspends second MP Oliver Ryan over 'unacceptable' WhatsApp group messages

The parents of the victims of the Southport attack have called for change

'We will never feel true happiness again': Parents of Southport victims pay tribute to daughters as they call for change

Keith Kellogg has reportedly told allies he is preparing 'end of war' options to present to Donald Trump

America's Russia-Ukraine envoy preparing 'end of war options' to present to Trump

Travel agency says people should look to go away at Easter instead to save money

End of the summer holiday? Families told to go away at Easter instead to save thousands

Labour MP Ashley Dalton

Keir Starmer names replacement for Labour MP sacked after sending offensive messages in vile WhatsApp chat