A sign-making business owner from Exeter has become a millionaire after selecting a scratchcard at random from his neighbourhood shop.
Lee Dart, 55, spent £5 on a festive National Lottery scratchcard during a visit to his local store, employing his usual strategy of choosing completely randomly.
The approach paid off spectacularly when he scratched the card immediately in the shop and realised within moments that he had secured a life-changing prize.
“I couldn’t believe it, I must have checked it 20 times,” Mr Dart said.
“You never expect it to happen to you – especially that close to Christmas. It’s been the best Christmas present!”
Upon grasping the magnitude of his fortune, Mr Dart wasted no time heading straight home, where he tucked the winning ticket beneath his pillow to keep it safe.
The owner of a sign-making firm found himself repeatedly verifying the result, struggling to accept that such luck had befallen him just before the festive period.
“I’ve worked hard all my life, and this gives me a chance to pause and really consider what I want to do going forward,” he explained.
Lee Dart, 55, spent £5 on a festive National Lottery scratchcard during a visit to his local store, employing his usual strategy of choosing completely randomly
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ALLWYN
The unexpected windfall arrived at the perfect moment, transforming what was already the Christmas season into something truly extraordinary for the Exeter businessman.
Mr Dart’s immediate priority is clearing his mortgage, a move he believes will provide the breathing room needed to carefully plan his next chapter.
The businessman has already begun spreading festive cheer by purchasing Christmas gifts for those closest to him, with longer-term plans to invest prudently for his family’s financial security.
“Helping my loved ones means everything to me, and being in a position to make a difference to the people I care about is a great feeling,” Mr Dart said.
“It’s amazing to know that I can help them out after all the support they have given me over the years.”
Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, which operates The National Lottery, offered his congratulations on the festive triumph.
“What a fantastic way for Lee to enjoy the festive season, sharing the joy.
The winner couldn’t believe his luck and checked his ticket 20 times
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GETTY“A £1million win on a Christmas Scratchcard is truly special,” Mr Carter said.
“Clearing his mortgage and being able to help loved ones makes this a really heart-warming win.
“We’re delighted for Lee and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Mr Dart’s winning ticket was the £30million Christmas Extravaganza scratchcard, priced at £5 and offering players odds of one in 3.19 for securing any prize.
However, six other Britons could also soon receive a festive windfall with the National Lottery issuing an urgent update to players.
The National Lottery stated: “The big prizes below have either not been claimed, or have not yet been validated and paid.
Lee Dart’s winning ticket was the £30million Christmas Extravaganza scratchcard, priced at £5 and offering players odds of one in 3.19 for securing any prize
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ALLWYN
“We hope a lucky player comes forward in time but if a valid claim is not received within 180 days (around six months) of the draw date, the prize and any interest earned on it will go to benefit National Lottery Projects across the UK.”
The most significant outstanding prize is a £10million Lotto jackpot purchased somewhere in the Bexley area.
This life-changing sum was won on October 4, 2025, in draw number 3116, with the fortunate ticket holder matching all six main numbers.
The winning combination was 6, 8, 12, 33, 49 and 59, with 42 as the bonus ball.