A gardener from Oxfordshire has secured a million-pound windfall using his father’s fortunate lottery selections.

Sean Hayes, aged 56 and residing in Witney, inherited a set of lottery numbers written down by his late father James, who passed away in 2010. Hayes has been entering these same numbers weekly ever since, describing the practice as a way to maintain a connection with his father rather than simply following a routine.

Hayes explained that his father kept a small notebook documenting his lottery entries. Following the father’s death, Hayes continued playing those numbers but mislaid the notebook for some time. He rediscovered it close to Christmas and resumed using the numbers, which subsequently delivered the substantial prize.

The coincidence that his father selected these particular numbers years before his passing has been described by Hayes as an extraordinary link to his father’s memory.

Among Hayes’s immediate priorities for the prize money is purchasing a property featuring outdoor space, allowing him and his wife to create fresh memories while continuing his passion for horticulture. He also intends to obtain a new vehicle and arrange special holidays with his spouse.

Hayes initially learned of his win during an evening out with his wife Sara at their local pub. While checking the National Lottery application on his phone to purchase a ticket, he discovered he had matched the winning numbers worth one million pounds. The realisation left him completely stunned.

Due to poor mobile signal inside the establishment, an old Cotswold building, Hayes was forced to move around trying to get reception so he could contact the National Lottery directly to verify the win. Once he successfully spoke with an operator who confirmed his million-pound victory, he described it as an unforgettable moment. The couple marked the occasion with additional drinks that evening.

Employed at a specialist electronics company, Hayes intends to remain in his current position while pursuing his new acquisitions and planned excursions with his wife. He is particularly keen to move from renting to homeownership, ideally to a property with its own garden, though he currently tends an allotment nearby. He also looks forward to upgrading to a more spacious vehicle and expanding their weekly date nights with further UK travels.