By Sammie Jones-
A lottery couple’s special new year gift is unbelievable after the pair scooped £2m just days before finding out their teenage son had beaten cancer.
John and Allison McDonald, of Stockton on Tees, were over the moon when their Lucky Dip ticket matched all six numbers to win the life changing Lotto Jackpot. Their celebration became a lot better when just three days later they were told 15-year-old Ewan who had battled Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma all year was cancer free.
John, 62, said: “It is just like all of our lifelong dreams came true in the space of three days.
“What a start to 2020. Everyone always dreams of winning the lottery at Christmas – and talks about how amazing this would be – but Allison and I never believed it would happen to us – and it has.
“And then to receive news that Ewan’s latest scans are all clear is just truly amazing. We are so thankful. 2020 is certainly looking like being one amazing year for the three of us.”
Ewan was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in May last year and underwent chemotherapy treatment.
Both John, a security officer, who frequently worked 70-hour weeks and Allison, 49, who worked in an opticians, have now handed in their notices at work.
“I had finished my routine patrols and was sitting having a cup of tea when I remembered I had not checked my lottery ticket.
“I quickly realised I had matched two numbers and I thought great – this means I have won a Lucky Dip.
“I then realised I had matched three numbers and I was absolutely over the moon – thinking we can do something nice this weekend as a family.
“But as I continued to check I realised I had matched all six.
“I was just in total shock. My legs were trembling as I called Camelot to check that what I was seeing was in fact right. I couldn’t believe it when the news was confirmed.
“I immediately called Allison who was in the dentist at the time.”
John and Allison McDonald from Stockton-on-Tees Image: PA News
It is very strange for a couple to win the lottery only to learn a few days later that their son has been cleared of cancer.