‘Lucky’ family headed for Disneyland and shopping for new home after EuroMillions win

Matt Cole, 41, from Horsham, and his fiancée Courtney Cockerton, 27, won £1 million on the EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker draw.

The couple, who have faced a challenging few months caring for their newborn son, plan to use part of their winnings to fund a magical trip to Disneyland Paris with their two young children.

The couple won the £1m following a ‘difficult period’ in their lives (Image: Allwyn)

Mr Cole said: “It’s been a really difficult few months.

“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.”

Their son Rupert, now five months old, underwent surgery at 12 weeks old to repair a cleft lip and palate.

The family’s win came after months of medical appointments at Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

Matt and Courtney won £1m (Image: Allwyn)

Mr Cole said: “Through everything that has been happening, I still managed to find time to buy a EuroMillions Lucky Dip ticket.

“I’m so glad I did – I could never have imagined what would happen next. When I realised I’d won £1M, 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.”

Matt and Courtney live in Horsham in West Sussex (Image: Allwyn)

The couple bought their winning ticket for the May 1 draw.

Ms Cockerton said the experience had taken its toll on the whole family, but she praised their daughter Ivy, two-and-a-half, for her resilience and kindness.

Ms Cockerton said: “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.”

In addition to the trip, the couple are planning to buy a new home and car.

The couple will be heading to Disneyland Paris with their two young children (Image: Allwyn)

Mr Cole works as a quality assurance tester in insurance and purchased the winning ticket online.

The family are now swapping hospital trips for a Eurostar journey from St Pancras International to Gare du Nord in Paris.

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.