An 80-year-old grandmother from Essex has won £1 million on the National Lottery after continuing to play her late husband's chosen numbers. Rose Tresadern, a retired office manager, won the jackpot alongside her son Barry, 52, and daughter Julie, 57, by matching five main numbers and the bonus ball in the Lotto draw on April 18.
The numbers were originally selected years ago by her husband Derek, a former business analyst who died last year aged 83 after a short illness. The couple had recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. Rose said the family never considered stopping using his numbers, as they reminded them of him.
“Winning £1 million never even crossed our minds,” she said. “It honestly feels like he's still looking out for us. I know he'd be over the moon.” The winning numbers were 1, 4, 12, 15 and 39, with bonus ball 48. Rose discovered the win alone at home and immediately called her son in shock.
Rose plans to use her share of the winnings to move into a retirement home better suited to her mobility issues, alongside her Maltese dog Amira. She also intends to buy a new engagement ring in memory of Derek. Her children are still deciding how to use their portions.
Kathy Garrett, senior winners’ adviser at National Lottery operator Allwyn, said: “There's something truly special about the fact Derek chose the winning numbers many years ago and that the family continued playing them to honour him.”
