Millionaire wore one-of-a-kind hat at Royal Ascot

Debbie Goolding, from Aldershot, won £1 million on a National Lottery scratchcard during the Covid-19 pandemic and attended Royal Ascot wearing the unique hat — a playful tribute to hope, optimism, and good fortune.

The mother-of-four said: “I’ve always been an optimistic person and believed it could me be, but it was still a huge shock to win £1 million on a scratchcard.

“I called the National Lottery’s phone line twice to double check it was actually real before I started spending.

“My win showed me that amazing things really can happen when you least expect them and that’s what this headpiece celebrates – hope, possibility and believing in good fortune.

“For me it’s all about that moment of crossing my fingers and believing it could happen. I hope I’ve brought a bit of luck for the other racegoers here today.”

Her win came at a time when she was knitting mini angel mascots for key workers.

During a visit to the shops to buy a friend’s birthday card, she bought the scratchcard on a whim and found herself £1 million richer.

The bespoke headpiece — a sculptural “fingers crossed” design — was made by award-winning milliner Barnaby Horn, whose creations have been worn by members of the Royal family, Sir David Beckham, and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters.

Mr Horn said: “From the beginning, this was about Debbie, her experience, her outlook, and that sense of optimism she carried with her.

“The crossed fingers concept came naturally through her story, and it was a joy to develop it together across the fittings.

“I wanted the final piece to feel refined and expressive, but most importantly, true to Debbie.

“It was ultimately a celebration of hope and possibility, told through her story of winning The National Lottery.”

Ms Goolding worked closely with Mr Horn over three private fittings to refine every aspect of the hat.

She chose floral details to represent her two decades as a florist.

Silver accents on the hat symbolised her first purchase with her winnings: a platinum eternity ring bought with husband Joseph the day after she found out she had won.

The trip to Royal Ascot formed part of Ms Goolding’s early celebrations ahead of the anniversary of her win on July 5, 2020.

She still keeps the £1 coin she used to scratch the winning card as a lucky charm.

Ms Goolding joins a long line of National Lottery winners who have found themselves seen as symbols of luck by friends, family, and even strangers.

Other winners have reported similar experiences.

£1 million winner Amanda Lewis said customers often asked to rub her arm for luck.

Lotto winner Gary MacDonald described himself as a “lucky mascot” after repeated requests for handshakes.

Sean Lloyd, who won £1.8 million, credited his win to a lucky penny, which he later turned into a wishing well.

Ms Goolding’s finger-crossed hat added a touch of optimism to one of the UK’s most iconic days out, blending personal meaning with the glamour of Royal Ascot.

The day out also gave her the chance to continue sharing her story — and her belief that good fortune can arrive when you least expect it.