A lorry driver has celebrated becoming an Omaze millionaire by tattooing the company's logo on his wrist. Andrew Williams won £1 million just a week after retiring, marking the moment with a unique new tattoo.
The 66-year-old from Shepton Mallet, Somerset, had only just hung up his keys after 35 years on the road when his fortunes were transformed overnight, scooping the tax-free prize in the Omaze Monthly Millionaire Draw. Andrew, who spent decades driving heavy goods vehicles and clocking up over 1,500 miles a week, said the first week of retirement had been filled with genuine concern over his future. But any financial worries have now gone, and he went straight to the tattoo parlour for his new inking.
From worry to windfall
Andrew said: 'I'll be honest, I was worried about the size of my pension pot. With rent and the cost of everything going up, I thought I was going to have to scrimp and save and be very careful. So for this to happen now it's just unbelievable. It has changed everything - any worries I had have completely evaporated.'
After landing the windfall, Andrew decided to mark the moment in his own unique way. He explained: 'Obviously I'll always remember winning every time I look at my bank account, but I like to get tattoos that represent important moments in my life, and this fits the bill - so I got the Omaze logo tattooed on my wrist. Luckily I do think it's a pretty cool logo, otherwise I'd have had to place it somewhere a bit less visible.'
The life-changing phone call
Andrew, who was filmed being told he had become an instant millionaire, added: 'The day I found out I'd won was just like any other. I was running errands and I think the highlight was probably a trip to Tesco. Then the phone rang - and the next thing I know the Omaze team is coming to see me and my life changed forever.'
'I went to see my daughter to tell her in person as it's hard to believe it over the phone - I only had one beer to celebrate before going home to sit on my own for a bit to take it all in - it wasn't your average Friday night that's for sure. But the next day I went to my nephew's for a BBQ and made up for it - I got absolutely hammered! If you can't let your hair down after becoming a millionaire, when can you? I got the beers in - no champagne though, as it gives me heartburn!'
Family first
A proud father of three, Andrew was born in Slough but has lived in the South West for more than 50 years. He has two daughters and a son aged between 27 and 36, and is already a grandfather of one, with another grandchild due later this year. The youngest of four siblings, he comes from a big family, although he sadly lost his eldest sister on Boxing Day, and says the biggest impact of his win will be helping his family.
Andrew said: 'They're all doing their best, but it's not easy. My son's expecting his first child in September, so I'd love to help him get on the property ladder. My daughters as well - one wants to buy and the other's looking to move somewhere new with her husband. I'll give them some cash to enjoy themselves, but I want them to be sensible too - I've said they need to invest some as well and keep an eye on the future. If I can make life a bit easier for them, that means everything to me.'
Modest plans for the future
Despite becoming a millionaire, Andrew has no plans to live extravagantly. Having rented his two-bedroom flat for the past year, he's happy where he is and plans to invest the majority of his winnings so it remains accessible for his family in the future. Andrew said: 'I don't need loads of space or stuff, I'm happy as I am. The main thing is knowing I'm secure and the family are looked after. I'll invest most of it and use the interest as income - winning with Omaze has taken all the pressure off - it's a wonderful feeling.'
He will, however, treat himself to a few well-earned upgrades. Andrew said: 'I'll get myself a nice watch, and I like the look of a second-hand Mercedes GLE - something a bit more comfortable than what I've got now. I won't be getting a fancy sports car though - I wouldn't be able to get in and out of it with my knees!' He's also planning a trip to the Rugby World Cup in Australia - with a potential upgrade on the cards. Andrew said: 'I was going anyway, but I might be looking at business class now!'
Long odds, big win
Andrew had entered the Omaze raffle for nearly two years without ever expecting to win. The only thing he'd ever won previously was 40 years ago, when he bagged a burger-shaped radio - that didn't even work - in a Wimpy competition. Andrew laughed: 'In 66 years, nothing like this has ever happened to me. To be honest, I'd have been happy with a tenner, so a million is out of this world!'
