£18m lottery winners say we’ll never leave our lovely semi
THEY could have bought a mansion but Britain’s oldest lottery winners are returning to their modest home of 57 years – after spending four months living in a budget hotel.
Dennis Banfield, 87, and his wife Shirley, 83, have been married for 60 years and lived in the same house for most of that time.
They scooped an £18million jackpot in February but rather than move into a plush new pad the couple have opted to totally renovate their semi-detached home in Winterbourne, near Bristol.
It is where they brought up their two daughters after buying the three-bedroom property in 1961 when the average home in the area cost just £2,000. It is now worth £316,000.
They have been staying in a £66-a-night hotel while the builders moved in – and hope to be back home in time for Christmas.
Shirley said yesterday: “We decided to stay and just have the whole of the inside of it completely
‘We can’t go jetting round the world at our age, can we?’
redone. We know the area, the house is not overlooked and it’s got a lovely big driveway.”
The generous couple split their £18,139,352 winnings three ways to include their two daughters, Tina, 54, and Karen, 51, and have given much of their share to charity.
Dennis said: “The girls have been such a support. They’ve been to see us frequently while we’ve been here and have helped us with our washing and things. They have both bought new houses.
“It means a lot to us to know they are looked after. All that has ever mattered to Shirley and I is that the girls are OK.
“To know they are financially secure is a wonderful feeling.”
Shirley added: “We’ve given a lot away in lump sums.
“We’ve been able to give to cancer units, to the children’s hospital, as well as helping out our community in Winterbourne and giving to the chapel and the community association. I wouldn’t say the money has changed us – it’s only prompted us to better other people.
“We can’t exactly go jetting off on a round-the-world adventure at our age, can we?”
Retired electricity board worker Dennis, who will be 88 on December 11, added: “We haven’t thought about moving house. We’ve lived here for more than 57 years – and while I didn’t think I would be interested in a new car, it is rather tempting.
“Although with my dodgy knee, I might need to get a chauffeur to go with the car!”
Meanwhile, 11 lotto millionaires have dipped into their fortunes to throw a Christmas party for 80 older folk. They all chipped in to take them down memory lane by booking a Rat Pack tribute group for the party at the Bear Hotel in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan.
The pensioners clapped and danced as they were entertained by lookalike Franks Sinatras, Dean Martins and Sammy Davis Juniors. Former hospital dinner lady Julie Amphlett, 51, part of a syndicate that won £25million a year ago, said: “We all feel it’s good to put something back.”
Former postman Matt Evans, 38, who won £2.6million three years ago, said: “We wanted to put a smile on their faces. It’s been a tough year with Brexit and the bad weather so it was lovely to give them a day out and they really enjoyed it.”
Karen Maddock, 52, who with her sister Tina and dad Dennis, 86, won £18million, said: “This has been my best spend so far – I’ve enjoyed it as much as our guests.”
Widow Dilys Sutton, 87, of Pontypridd, said: “I’ve never been in the company of so many millionaires. I danced with one, I hope his good luck rubs off on me.”