A Westmeath woman celebrated her 50th birthday in style after being surprised with a very welcome gift.
Her husband included a €15 All Cash Gift Scratch Card in her birthday card, which turned out to be a highly unexpected present.
This led her to become a top prize winner after revealing an incredible €300,000 reward.
The winning Scratch Card was purchased at Spollen’s Centra in Glasson, Co Westmeath.
The winner said: ‘Can you believe I almost threw the Scratch Card in the bin? I glanced over the numbers at first and didn’t immediately spot the €300,000 staring back at me.
‘Thank goodness I decided to give it a second glance! Initially I thought it was €30,000 – probably for about an hour until I finally realised that it was €300,000.’
The woman admitted to keeping a close eye on the Scratch Card ever since revealing the top prize amount, and she is now in the midst of making big plans.
She added: ‘I have had the Scratch Card with me everywhere I have gone ever since scratching it.
‘I couldn’t stand the thought of having it out of my sight, so it’s come to work with me, to the shops – everywhere! I’ve got a few big dreams for the win.
‘I would love to buy a place by the sea and go on a cruise around the world for a year. Time to get planning now!’
Shop owner Joe Spollen was over the moon to hear that his store sold the top prize-winning Scratch Card.
He remarked: ‘Well, this is certainly news that will put a smile on people’s faces!
‘We are a family-run store here in Glasson and have been in business for 48 years. Hearing stories like this is what we love.
‘Just a few weeks ago, we sold a Telly Bingo ticket worth €45,005 and a few years ago, we also sold a Lotto Plus ticket worth €350,000.
‘I wish the All Cash Gift winner all the best with their win and hope they are enjoying it!’
The National Lottery reminds everyone to play games responsibly, play for fun.
