A 73-year-old former taxi driver from Exeter has fulfilled his dream of moving to the Scottish Highlands after winning £1m in the Lotto draw. Steve Glover, who has survived two heart attacks, bought a Bentley and a motorhome with his winnings and plans to invest in some prime Scotch whisky.
A lucky break
Steve Glover was watching the darts on TV when he decided to check his lottery tickets, which he had bought the night before at his local shop. He was stunned to discover that he had matched five numbers and the bonus ball in the Lotto draw on March 4, 2023, and won £1m.
“I checked the Lotto results on my tablet and recognised the numbers instantly as I’ve always played the same numbers,” he said. “When the win was confirmed, I made a cup of tea – my answer to everything – and told myself not to start the celebrations just yet.”
He waited until the money was in his bank account before he shared the news with his family and friends. He also returned to the shop where he bought the ticket and gave some flowers to the woman who served him, Delia, as a thank you.
A new life in the Highlands
Steve Glover had always wanted to move to the Scottish Highlands, where he had spent some time as an RAF serviceman. He had bought a caravan to explore the region, but it was vandalised by thugs just days before his lottery win.
“I was heartbroken when I saw the damage to my caravan, it was my retirement dream to travel around Scotland and find a place to settle down,” he said. “But then I won the lottery and everything changed. I felt like it was fate.”
He sold his caravan and bought a motorhome instead, which he plans to use as his temporary home while he looks for his dream property in the Highlands. He also treated himself to a Bentley, which he said was “a bit of a splurge, but why not?”
He said he was looking for “a nice little croft with a bit of land” and that he would know it when he saw it. He also said he wanted to invest in some barrels of Scotch whisky, which he described as “liquid gold”.
A happy ending
Steve Glover said he was grateful for his lottery win and that he wanted to enjoy every moment of his new life. He said he had no regrets about leaving his taxi job, which he had done for 25 years.
“I loved being a taxi driver, but it was hard work and stressful at times. I’m glad I don’t have to worry about that anymore,” he said. “Now I can relax and do what I want, when I want. I’m very lucky and very happy.”
He said he hoped his story would inspire other people to play the lottery and chase their dreams. He said he still played the same numbers every week, hoping for another win.
“You never know, lightning might strike twice,” he said. “But even if it doesn’t, I’m already living my dream.”
