A Carlisle trainee gas engineer has become a multi-millionaire overnight after winning £7,533,329 on the National Lottery. James Clarkson, just 20 years old, woke up on January 5, 2025, to check for snowfall, only to discover he had hit the jackpot. The young man, who also won £120 on the Lotto Christmas Day draw, used part of those winnings to buy additional lines for the New Year’s draw, including two Lucky Dip selections. Astonishingly, it was one of those random combinations which led him to the life-changing figures.
Initially, Clarkson didn’t receive the news with the excitement one might expect. He recalled, "I was at my girlfriend’s house when I checked my phone early in the morning. I couldn’t believe my eyes! At first, I thought I was dreaming, but then I scrolled down and saw I’d matched all six main numbers. When I realized it was true, I woke up my girlfriend, and she took one sleepy glance at my phone and said, ‘no, you haven’t won,’ and rolled over back to sleep!"
Despite the disbelief from his girlfriend, Clarkson quickly turned to his dad for confirmation. "I called my dad, knowing he’d be awake, and he told me to come home so we could check together. Waiting for the National Lottery line to open at 9am was nerve-wracking,” he admitted. “When they confirmed it was the winning ticket, I just started laughing. I couldn’t believe it. This is mad!"
Celebrations erupted soon after, with Clarkson visiting family members and culminating at his grandparents’ house, where they enjoyed roast beef and Champagne. "It was lovely to celebrate together, and news spreads fast because we’re such a close family!" he shared.
Real-life responsibilities soon took over as Clarkson was back to work fixing blocked drains by the following Monday morning. "I was out in the cold, and it felt grim, but that's the reality of life," he reflected. "I’m not going to stop working, I’m too young. I need to have a purpose. Plus, Dad wouldn’t let me quit anyway! He always says there are plenty of millionaires who still work and you need something to get up for each day."
James knows his dedication to work might sound strange to some, but he has clear goals. He started his career during the Covid pandemic, first as a bricklaying apprentice before moving to property maintenance with his family. "Bricklaying was tough and cold, but now I’m going for my gas engineer certification, which offers more variety," he said.
Now with £7.5 million at his disposal, Clarkson has plans to enjoy his newfound wealth modestly. "Of course, I’ll treat myself! I’ve booked a luxury all-inclusive holiday to Cape Verde, and I’ve splurged on some Gucci items for my girlfriend and some designer jackets for myself," James explained. "I’m also thinking seriously about getting myself a new car, preferably an Audi. If you drive a cold work van all day, going from job to job, you realize how nice it would be to have heated seats and comfort!"
Being a lifelong Manchester City supporter, Clarkson has grand ideas about attending more games and hopefully securing season tickets for his family. Above all, his intention with the winnings extends beyond personal luxury. "I’ve been thinking about paying off my parents’ mortgage; it’s something I really want to do." He revealed his family was overwhelmed by his intentions, asserting, "This win isn’t just for me; I want everyone to benefit! They’ve always been there for me, and it feels good to give back."
The family continues to celebrate this extraordinary turn of events. Over the weekend, several generations gathered at a local pub to share stories and laughter. Reflecting on the public’s response, James said, "Everyone is really supportive, and I appreciate all the love from back home—this is only the beginning for me!"
Playing the National Lottery has proven worthwhile not only personally for Clarkson but also for many others, as players contribute around £30 million weekly supporting various community projects across the UK. This includes everything from local sports teams to arts funding, showcasing how each ticket can make a difference. James Clarkson’s win serves as both inspiration and hope for others who play, as he embarks on this thrilling new chapter of life.