Lottery winner keeps on working

When faced with the great news that they have become a multi-millionaire on the lottery most people would be rushing to quit their jobs, but for Ivan Westbury that thought is the last thing on his mind.

Along with his wife, Susan, he has just scooped a fantastic win of £7,706,631 on the lottery. The couple run a lightning protection business and are the first to admit that it has been a struggle over the last few years. They have 30 employees and have battled to keep things going throughout the recession, working every day of the week and going without a proper holiday for 4 years. However, because of their employees, they have vowed not to give up work, as they do not want to put them at risk of losing their jobs.

They plan to visit estate agents, travel agents and car dealerships soon, with a house with a pool and a Jaguar on their shopping list. Their first holiday though will be a £9.50 week bargain break in a caravan in Cornwall, which was booked as part of a newspaper promotion earlier in the summer.

62 year old Mrs Westbury bought the winning ticket for Saturday’s Lotto at a Morrisons supermarket in Nottingham last Wednesday. It was only when she visited a Tesco store on Sunday that she found out they
had won, when the ticket-reading machine advised her to contact Camelot, an action which only happens for big winners. She returned to her car ‘in a daze’ and called her 64 year old husband, who met her before they both called Camelot. They drove to a pub to celebrate and then, in an ironic moment, realised they had no money on them.

Mr Westbury returned to the headquarters of their company, Sentinel Lightning in Nottingham, to complete some unfinished business. He said; ‘I’m an ordinary man who has always worked. Susan and I have worked very hard to build the business up and we have got a dedicated workforce to think of. They have stood behind us through tough times recently so we cannot just walk away and leave them in the lurch now,
because there are no jobs out there. We will keep going in to work, although maybe only for four days a week, until we work out exactly what to do with the company. Perhaps we will sell it eventually, but
we will make sure the staff are safe. It has been a real struggle recently and I have worked virtually seven days a week for four years.’

The firm installs lightning protection and earthing systems on buildings all over the world, and was set up by Mr Westbury, a steeplejack by trade, 19 years ago – 2 years after the couple married. The couple have 3 children between them, from previous marriages, and 7 grandchildren, and live in a two-bedroom bungalow.

They enjoyed a champagne celebration with their staff who were also pleased with their win. Employee Ian Phillips said: ‘It couldn’t happen to nicer people. They are a very generous couple who work extremely long hours.’

Brought to you by London Bingo News. London Bingo gives you the latest lottery and UK bingo news and access to the newest Internet bingo rooms and exclusive bingo bonus offers.

Related bingo news:

1. Grandmother wins £4.5 million on lottery
2. Lottery winner jailed
3. All’s fair in love and winnings!
4. £85 million winner has come forward!!
5. Mystery winner gets $266 million jackpot