Betfred Big Winner: Happy New Year for NHS worker celebrating £174k Irish Lotto win

Long-serving NHS worker John Havercroft is enjoying a dream start to the New Year after a stunning £174k win at Betfred.

The 65-year-old plans to sell his current home and buy a bungalow for him and his wife Debbie, who also works for the NHS as a hospital admissions receptionist.

"She's Harrogate born and this is where we live so we'll be staying here even if it's expensive," said John, who assists GPs delivering medicines having previously worked as a buyer of hospital equipment.

He bet just £4.12 in total - a £1 accumulator and £3.12 Canadian - on the numbers 2, 5, 10, 16 and 17 which were all drawn on the Irish Lotto.

John's stuck with those five numbers based on house numbers and family birthdays - 2 being the number of the house he was brought up in, 10 being his twin daughter's birthday, 5 his birthday, 16 Debbie's birthday and 17 the number of the house the couple used to live in.

The jubilant winner added: "As well as the bungalow for when we retire, we'll be going on a family holiday in the new year in Tenerife or Madeira.

"We haven't properly celebrated yet, but I will certainly having a few beers. I work out the odds and they are very competitive at Betfred. I have had wins before but nothing like this. It's brilliant."

Betfred boss Fred Done said:

"What a tremendous start to 2025 for this loyal customer. Enjoy your new home, holiday... and of course the beer!"