Welwyn carpenter wins £1.5 million on scratchcard after changing route to work

The man, who is in his 30s, switched his usual route to work due to traffic and stopped for coffee near Welwyn Garden Centre, where he bought the £5 Beat The Chasers scratchcard.

He said: “It’s a strange feeling really, I can’t actually believe I’ve won. It’s surreal.

“If I had gone my usual way, I wouldn’t have bought the scratchcard. It has changed my life.”

Plans for the winnings include supporting his family and securing a brighter future.

He said: “I would like to help my family and invest some money for mine and my daughter’s future, as well as buying some new transport for work.”

Dean O’Field, winners’ advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, congratulated the winner.

Mr O’Field said: “We are delighted that a day that started with a traffic jam turned into a life-changing experience for our lucky carpenter.

“Superstition does say that touching wood brings good luck.”