Disney dream comes true for Horsham family after £1 million EuroMillions win

Matt Cole, 41, and his fiancée Courtney Cockerton, 27, were stunned to discover they had won after a ‘difficult’ few months with their newborn son, Rupert, who had to have surgery at just 12 weeks old to repair a cleft lip and palate.

Now instead of traveling to Evelina London Children’s Hospital for medical appointments, Matt and Courtney will be making a very different trip to London – going from St Pancras International Station to Paris Gare du Nord on the Eurostar.

The family are planning a much-needed magical adventure to Disneyland Paris with five-month-old Rupert and their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Ivy.

“It’s been a really difficult few months,” said Matt, who works as a quality assurance tester in insurance.

“We knew before Rupert was born that he would need surgery, but nothing can truly prepare you for seeing your baby go through a five-hour operation at such a young age and having to stay in hospital overnight.

“We’ve been incredibly fortunate that Rupert fed so well when he was born, as cleft conditions can often make feeding difficult.

“The support we’ve received from NHS staff has been amazing and we’re so grateful for everything they’ve done for us.”

Courtney said the experience had affected the whole family and praised her daughter Ivy for being a wonderful big sister to Rupert throughout.

“Ivy is only two-and-a-half, but she’s been absolutely brilliant. She’s taken everything in her stride and is so caring towards Rupert.

“We’ve always dreamt of taking her to Disneyland Paris and seeing her face light up when she meets her favourite characters. Now, thanks to this incredible win, that’s the first thing on our list.”

As well as creating special memories together, the couple also plan to use their winnings to buy a new home and new car. Importantly, the win also means that the couple will now be able to provide greater security for their young family.

And they said the win still felt surreal. “Through everything that has been happening, I still managed to find time to buy a EuroMillions Lucky Dip ticket,” Matt added.

“I’m so glad I did – I could never have imagined what would happen next.

“When I realised I’d won £1 million, I genuinely couldn’t believe it. I checked it over and over again. Even now it still hasn’t properly sunk in.

“Our family and friends have been just as shocked as we are about the win, but they’re absolutely over the moon for us. After everything we’ve been through recently, it feels like we’ve had a really lucky break.”

Winner advisor at Allwyn, operator of the National Lottery, Dean O’Field said: “Matt, Courtney, Rupert and Ivy are such a wonderful family, and I’m absolutely delighted for them.

“After what has been a difficult few months, it’s fantastic to see them win this incredible amount of money and see them start making some lovely plans together as a family.

“It really goes to show, it could be you!”

Matt played the EuroMillions draw online and won £1 million by matching the EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker code on his ticket on Friday, May 1.

Every EuroMillions entry receives a unique UK Millionaire Maker code, made up of four letters and five numbers, which is automatically entered into the UK Millionaire Maker draw taking place on the same days as the EuroMillions draw.