a million reasons to smile

Couple’s £1MILLION scatchcard success

LOTTO millionaires Darren and Kate Donaghey can finally give their two autistic children the life they have always dreamed of after a £1m National Lottery Scratchcard win.

Darren bought the Monopoly Classic scratchcard after it “caught his eye” while he was out buying a pint of milk.

Now, he and Kate said “all their dreams have come true”.

Darren and Kate hit the headlines four years ago after he won a ‘Punching Above Your Weight’ competition for being in a relationship with Kate.

He famously won Metro Radio’s controversial competition when listeners voted him and Kate the most mis-matched couple in the looks department.

And now, he has become a millionaire after it emerged that he and Kate - who have two autistic children - have won the scratchcard jackpot.

They will use the cash to move from their two-bedroom house to a bigger home with a sensory room for their three-year-old daughter and six-year-old son.

““Winning the lottery is something which only happens to other people,” said Darren, 33. “We still cannot believe this has happened to ordinary people like Kate and myself.

“This money will just totally change our lives and the lives of our children too.”

Call centre worker Darren had rescheduled his shifts to spend more time with his children and as he adjusted to his new work pattern found himself up earlier than usual.

He said: “I had left for work and then decided I was far too early so thought I would pop back home to spend more time with Kate and the children.

“When I got home Kate asked if I would mind popping out to buy a pint of milk as we had run out.

“When I was in the shop I had some spare change in my pocket and for some reason the Monopoly Classic scratchcard just caught my eye. I thought, ‘I have got change, I will buy one.’

“I went out to my car and decided to scratch it straight away. I couldn’t actually believe it when I was looking at a scratchcard which was worth £1m and I literally had £1m in my hand.

“I just screamed but I also felt numb. I just couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

“I rushed home and Kate just thought I was joking. I don’t think either of us actually believed what was happening to us until we called Camelot and they confirmed that we really were now millionaires.”

Darren and Kate, 28, said they are also planning to support autism charities, which have helped their family.

Darren and Kate’s Monopoly Classic scratchcard from The National Lottery was bought at the Walker Superstore in Newcastle.