‘It was a sign from above': Man wins £100k on the lottery - just days after losing beloved mum to cancer

A man has described winning £100,000 on the lottery as the “worst and best” experience of his life, after winning just days after losing his beloved mum to cancer.

Simon Wilcock, 44, won a Jackpot Yellow Instant Win Game and is convinced his win is a sign from above.

‘A sign from above’

Mr Wilcock, who owns Phoenix Signs in Helson is sure that his mother Alison played a part in his stroke of luck, after his win via the National Lottery app came just the weekend after her death.

The father of two, from Helston, Cornwall, said the victory has given his family a “glimmer of happiness” and is planning to put his winnings towards a new family home.

The surprise win came after Mr Wilcock decided to try his luck on the Instant Win Games while he was watching telly, and described the event that unfolded during the week as both “the worst and best” of his life.

He said: “I normally play Instant Win Games on my phone. I have an order in which I play the games in, as they show up on my phone screen.

"I don’t usually play £100,000 Jackpot Yellow, but for some reason I did this time, and I’m so glad that I went for it.

"Maybe it was a sign from above, as I certainly feel that Mum was looking down on me and I know she would be over the moon, just like my dad is.”

Mr Wiilcock, his wife Becky, 41, and their two sons, will use the win to make a fresh start after a tough and emotional few weeks, by upgrading to a bigger family home nearby.

He added: “We’ve been looking to move, but prices in this area are horrendous. The four of us have just outgrown our three bedroom home and this win takes the pressure off, in terms of being able to afford somewhere new.”

‘A glimmer of happiness’

Health Visitor Becky was the first person Mr Wilcock told when he realised he had won an incredible £100,000 prize, rather than his usual £5, and later phoned his emotional father to break the news.

Mr Wilcock admits to being “a bit of a kidder” and explained he had some trouble convincing his dad and his friends that he had unexpectedly come into some money, but said the win has helped to restore some happiness into his family.

He added: “It’s been such a strange year for us all. Becky and I worked flat-out throughout the lockdown.

"I had a few weeks where I couldn’t open the shop and was taking care of the home schooling, but as soon as I could reopen, there was plenty of need for our services, which I’m very grateful for.

"Losing mum after her valiant eighteen-month fight against cancer is obviously the biggest, most horrendous downside of the year, for all of us as a family.

"She is a huge loss and this has given us just a glimmer of happiness.”

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