Couple mopped up unaware of £2m win

AS Robin and Lesley Palmer helped clear up their flood-hit community in Yorkshire, little did they know they had become millionaires after scooping £2.1m on the Lottery.

The couple, from Swillington, Leeds, did not check their Lotto numbers for six days after winning a share of the jackpot on June 9. So when flash floods hit the village, the pair found themselves mopping up in a working men’s club instead of splashing their newly-acquired cash.

They were stranded in their home when nearby streets flooded, unable to make it on foot to the Swillington Miners Sports and Social Club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When they finally got to the club, where Mrs Palmer is president and director, they discovered rain pouring through the ceiling.

Mrs Palmer, 62, speaking about the win yesterday at the Holiday Inn in Garforth, Leeds, said: “When we got to the club, there was water pouring through the ceiling and all the lights had fused. I didn’t know at that point I was a millionaire and so I was mopping up. Although I would have done that anyway.”

The couple have used the same random Lotto numbers since 1994 and play five lines twice a week. They said they will treat themselves to a new car, a holiday and some renovations to their dormer bungalow.

Mrs Palmer will continue to volunteer at the working men’s club.

Related topics: