From Lotto Win To Engagement Ring

17 August 2006

From Lotto Win To Engagement Ring

A surprise Lotto win has led to a surprise engagement for one lucky Waihi Lotto player, NZ Lotteries Chief Executive Todd McLeay said today.

Neil McEwan had no idea he had won $10,000 in Lotto's recent 1000th draw promotion before he went to visit his local Lotto shop, Waihi Toyworld and Take Note, the Sunday morning after the draw.

"It was a big surprise," said Mr McEwan. "The ticket went through the machine and it played a little tune, and the girl said to me 'You've won $10,000!' They were stunned too, and then we all started jumping up and down with excitement."

But a bigger surprise was instore for Mr McEwan's partner who was sick in Waikato Hospital at the time.

"I decided to use part of the prize money to buy Angela an engagement ring, it just seemed like the money had come at the right time," said Mr McEwan. "She was a bit down about being in hospital, so this perked her right up!"

A date hasn't been set for the wedding yet, but some of the prize money was also used to buy a wedding band for Mr McEwan to match a ring he gave his fiance earlier this year.

Ray Butcher from Waihi Toyworld and Take Note says that this has topped off a great few weeks for the store. Two instant prizes of $1,001 were also won at the shop during Lotto's 1000th draw promotion, and another lucky person won a $2,500 holiday in a Take Note promotion.

"We're really pleased for all of the winners, it's been a great promotion," said Mr Butcher.

ENDS

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