Family treats for Lottery winners

Date published: 03 August 2012


The Watersheddings couple who scooped £1 million on the Lottery — and almost lost it in a shop worker fraud — will spend the cash treating their family.

Fred and Maureen Holt were winners in the EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle draw on June 22. — but when Mrs Holt (77) took the ticket to a local convenience store, shopworker Farrakh Nizzar told her she hadn’t won anything. Nizzar then tried to claim the cash himself, but was caught out amd this week pleased guilty to fraud.

The money will now allow Mr Holt (80) to retire and will fund treats for the family: a Jaguar XS for him, cosmetic dentistry for Mrs Holt, and a Far East cruise for them both.

But the money will also go to the pair’s families, they said.

Though married for 32 years, both were both married before and have seven children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Mr Holt, a former Navy engineer, said: “I spent a lot of time out in Hong Kong when I was in the Navy and I’ve always wanted to go back and see how it’s changed. It was my 80th birthday the day after the draw and we’ve already got lots of holidays arranged as birthday gifts from our children.

“That will keep us busy for the next few months, so we are planning to wait and go on a cruise of the Far East next year.”

Mrs Holt, who bought the winning ticket, said: “The win just came out of the blue and means we can look after our family. It gives us security for the rest of our lives; it’s a wonderful feeling.”

Nizzar has been remanded in custody for sentence at Manchester Crown Court on August 20.








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