Oxford News
Oxfordshire gardener wins £1m with late father’s lucky numbers
Sean Hayes from Witney lost his dad James in 2010, and amongst the belongings he left behind was a copy of his lottery numbers, which he played on Lotto each week.
Since his father’s death, the 56-year-old continued playing those same numbers, not out of habit, but out of love and his quiet way of keeping a piece of his dad close. And now, those very numbers have changed his life.
“My dad had a little booklet which he wrote his Lotto numbers in,” said Sean.
READ MORE: UK flights cancelled as Oxfordshire grandad left stranded abroad
“After he passed away, I would put the numbers on each week, but then I lost the booklet.
“I only found it again recently, around Christmas time, and I decided to start playing the numbers again, and that’s how I won.
“To think that my dad chose these numbers all those years ago, before he died, is just unbelievable, and it’s a really nice connection to my dad’s memory.”
The first thing Sean hopes to do with his winnings is to buy a home with a garden, a space where he and his wife can build new memories and he can indulge his love of gardening.
He’s also looking forward to upgrading his car and taking his wife on some long‑awaited, wonderful trips together.
READ MORE: Award-winning Cotswolds pub latest after losing Michelin-starred chef
Sean added: “I’m so grateful to my dad to have chosen these numbers, the money is going to make a real difference to our lives.
“Being able to buy our own house after years of renting is going to be so great, and we would love somewhere with a garden.
“I have an allotment and enjoy spending time there, but it would be ideal to have some green space at home too.”
Sean first discovered he had won the huge prize whilst he was out in the pub and then spent a few frantic minutes trying to get phone reception to confirm the win.
He said: “I was in the pub on a date night with my wife Sara, when I decided to go on The National Lottery app to put a ticket on.
READ MORE: Cotswolds estate up for sale at £26m after aristocrat’s death
“It was at that point I saw I had won a prize on the Lotto and it was £1m. I was in total shock!
“I had to call The National Lottery to confirm that I had won, but the phone signal was terrible as the pub is an old Cotswold building, so I was moving about desperately trying to get a signal so they could hear me.
“When I eventually managed to get reception and speak to someone, and they confirmed I had won £1m, it was absolutely unbelievable, and a moment I will never forget!
“We had a few extra drinks to celebrate that night.”
Sean, who works for a bespoke electronic firm, says he plans to continue working, as well as buying a new house and a new car, and will also enjoy some special trips with his wife.
READ MORE: American Hollywood actor spotted in Oxford bakery leaving fans stunned
“I won’t be giving up work just yet, but I am planning on upgrading my car to something larger and more comfortable,” he said.
“Sara and I enjoy travelling around the UK, and we go on a date night once a week, so we’ll plan some trips and some extra special date nights.”
Dean O’Field, Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said: “I just love hearing stories like Sean’s where there is a really special story that led to his winning numbers.
“Huge congratulations to Sean, and I hope he and his wife, Sara, enjoy choosing their new home.”
Thames Valley Police said on Saturday morning that its investigation continues after a duo were arrested on Thursday, March 26 across the county border from Oxfordshire in Berkshire.
A 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman from Slough were arrested on suspicion of murder and grievous bodily harm.
READ MORE: Oxford pedestrian ‘hit’ by Toyota near University Parks
The force said both adults had been released on conditional police bail “pending further enquiries”.
The arrests come after a child “sustained serious injuries” and “tragically passed away in hospital”, according to Detective Inspector Nick Hind from the Major Crime Unit.
The detective said the force’s enquiries are “still at an early stage” and acknowledged the incident is likely to cause “significant concern” in the community.
Hailey CE Primary unveiled the library in conjunction with World Book Day, funded through donations from the Friends of Hailey School, community grants, local business donations and our generous families.
Mrs Davies, headteacher, said: “The school is proud that together we are building a brighter future for our children through the power of reading.”
The library offers a wide selection of books across different genres to help children improve their literacy skills and discover new interests.
Excitement is high within the school community.
Mrs Davies said: “We’re so excited about the opening of our library that everyone’s peeking through the doors to catch a glimpse.
“I cannot wait to unfold the magic behind the books.”
The garden has been developed at Folly View Primary School and is designed to support pupil wellbeing, creativity, and personal growth by providing a calming and engaging outdoor space.
Funding for the project was secured through a £1,500 grant from the Tesco Community Grants scheme, made possible by votes from shoppers using blue tokens at the Faringdon store.
Muddy Spades, a local gardening business led by Royston Oxendale, also played a key role in bringing the garden to life by donating plants and building bespoke planters for the space.
Richard Evans, chief executive of Cambrian Learning Trust, said: “This wonderful sensory garden is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
“At Cambrian Learning Trust, we are proud to see Folly View Primary School bringing its core values of belonging, kindness, and aspiration to life in such a meaningful way.
“This space will not only enhance pupils’ wellbeing but also inspire curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.”
The garden will also support the school’s gardening club, offering pupils hands-on opportunities to care for plants and learn about the environment.
The school has thanked Tesco Faringdon, Muddy Spades, the PTA, and everyone involved in turning the garden into a reality.
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoOxford: ‘Next generation’ LimeBikes in city from today
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoWhy Join Oxford | Oxford University Jobs
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoExplore our Careers
-
Student Life2 weeks agoThe independent cinema battling Oriel College to stay open
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoMichelin Guide Oxfordshire Restaurants – The Oxford Magazine
-
Oxford Events2 weeks agoOxford News and Events, What’s on in Oxford, Exhibitions
-
Jobs & Careers2 weeks agoInternal Job Board for University vacancies
-
Crime & Safety2 weeks agoCrash partially blocks A40 and causes severe Oxfordshire traffic