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Stunned Samesh Kumar signed up for People's Postcode Lottery in memory of his late mother - and has won almost £250,000 just four months later.
Samesh told how mum Chanchal Kumari had always urged him to take out a subscription because she believed he was the family's lucky charm.
And, after winning a quarter of a million pounds, the retired fashion firm owner said: "I think mum would be really proud.
"She certainly believed. I'm not sure I did, but she was right. I've only been playing for about four months. To have won so quickly is amazing. When I signed up, I was thinking about mum. This is extra special."
Samesh shared £1 Million with six other neighbours after AL9 6PT landed today's Millionaire Street prize in Brookmans Park.
Every ticket was worth £83,333, but Samesh and another player pocketed £249,999 with three tickets. Another player doubled their prize to £166,666 with two tickets. Four others had one ticket each.
Excited Samesh - a former chairman of Birmingham City and Cardiff City football clubs - cuddled wife Gosia as they were presented with three cheques.
And he dedicated the win to Indian-born Chanchal - who passed away nine years ago - as he also celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
He said: "Mum always said that, within the family, I was the lucky one. The Postcode Lottery was always something she influenced me to do. Gosia said that this was my mum doing this for me."
Now the couple plan to support their children as well as spending some of the win on holidays and renovating their detached family home.
Samesh said: "For me, it’s always been about family. You get to a stage in your life when you try to do everything for the kids.
"I want my daughter to have a good education. Same goes for my son. A lot of it will go for his football training and investment in him. I just want happiness for my kids.
"My family are the most important people. We’re a very close family and we don’t like to be away from each other; a holiday would be good.
Samesh told how mum Chanchal Kumari had always urged him to take out a subscription because she believed he was the family's lucky charm.
And, after winning a quarter of a million pounds, the retired fashion firm owner said: "I think mum would be really proud.
"She certainly believed. I'm not sure I did, but she was right. I've only been playing for about four months. To have won so quickly is amazing. When I signed up, I was thinking about mum. This is extra special."
Samesh shared £1 Million with six other neighbours after AL9 6PT landed today's Millionaire Street prize in Brookmans Park.
Every ticket was worth £83,333, but Samesh and another player pocketed £249,999 with three tickets. Another player doubled their prize to £166,666 with two tickets. Four others had one ticket each.
Excited Samesh - a former chairman of Birmingham City and Cardiff City football clubs - cuddled wife Gosia as they were presented with three cheques.
And he dedicated the win to Indian-born Chanchal - who passed away nine years ago - as he also celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
He said: "Mum always said that, within the family, I was the lucky one. The Postcode Lottery was always something she influenced me to do. Gosia said that this was my mum doing this for me."
Now the couple plan to support their children as well as spending some of the win on holidays and renovating their detached family home.
Samesh said: "For me, it’s always been about family. You get to a stage in your life when you try to do everything for the kids.
"I want my daughter to have a good education. Same goes for my son. A lot of it will go for his football training and investment in him. I just want happiness for my kids.
"My family are the most important people. We’re a very close family and we don’t like to be away from each other; a holiday would be good.
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