A couple from Wales have achieved what many would consider a statistical impossibility, winning a £1 million National Lottery jackpot for the second time in their lives.
Beating Astronomical Odds with Belief
Courier driver Richard Davies, 49, and his wife Faye, 43, a mental health counsellor, from Talgarth, Powys, landed their latest fortune by matching five numbers and the bonus ball in a Lotto draw last month. This remarkable win comes just seven years after they first won a £1 million EuroMillions 'Millionaire Maker' prize in 2018.
The couple have overcome mind-boggling odds estimated at 24 trillion to one to become double lottery millionaires. They firmly attribute their success to the power of positive thinking.
"We always believed winning was possible," said Mrs Davies. "Once we scooped £1m and met hundreds of other lucky winners, we realised fairytales do come true. We knew the odds of it happening again were outrageous, but we're proof that if you believe, anything is possible."
Life-Changing Wins, Unchanged Work Ethic
Despite their newfound wealth, neither Richard nor Faye plan to give up work. Their first win in 2018 allowed Faye to leave her job as a mental health nurse, return to university, and gain a second degree in Counselling and Therapeutic Practice.
"I now have my own practice and also provide counselling services with local organisations including Brecon & District Mind charity and The DPJ Foundation," she explained. "I feel blessed every day to be doing something so meaningful... and I'm not going to abandon my clients with the second bit [of luck]."
Richard was able to leave his long-term career in hairdressing. He now works as a courier driver seven days a week and says he loves it. The couple used their initial winnings generously, gifting cars, donating a minibus to a local rugby team, and helping friends and family.
A Winning Streak Led to the Jackpot
The path to their second million was unusually serendipitous. Mr Davies revealed they won four consecutive free Lucky Dip tickets before the big win on November 26.
"This win was not as simple as buying the winning ticket," he said. "It came to us through a series of four consecutive Lotto draws! When you match two numbers, you win a free Lucky Dip for the next game. We matched two numbers on the 15th, which put us into the next draw and so on, until the winning draw."
Andy Carter, Senior Winners' Advisor at Allwyn, the operator of The National Lottery, remembered meeting the couple for their first win. "It's just as special to be with them as they celebrate their second £1m win," he said. "Players winning more than once is unusual but like all the best magic, not impossible."
The Davies' story is a testament to extraordinary luck and a steadfast positive mindset, proving that sometimes, lightning really can strike twice.
