Solo mum counted the zeroes with her son after $1m Lotto win

Friday, 15 September 2017

When realisation dawned on a young Wellington woman she had won $1 million in Lotto, she screamed at the top of her lungs.

Sharon, who didn't want her last name used, said the whole street probably heard her.

She said she called for her teenage son to help her check her ticket, and they both counted the zeroes after the number 1 in front.

'He said: 'Mum, you've just won $1m'.'

Sharon said she didn't go to work that day, and resigned two months later.

She said she was still feeling excited after claiming the prize in March.

A solo mum since she was 20 years old, she said she was short on cash for everyday living.

Her first spend went on paying off her student loan, bank loan and credit card debt.

She then shared her winnings with close family and helped her mother clear her debts.

Then she splurged on a Macbook and a Coach handbag, she said. It was the first time she had ever owned a handbag.

Being able to loosen the tight grip of money worries was the most comforting feeling that came from the win, she said.

'It's amazing to not have those bills or worry about how we're going to afford things,' she said.

'Everything's been paid off, my student loan that I've had for years is gone … my mum really helped me out so I wanted to take care of her.'

Buying what would be the golden ticket was a last minute decision.

After living costs, Sharon decided to buy a ticket instead of getting a hair cut.

'It was a life changing decision', she said.

Compared to Lotto's jackpot this weekend of $30 million, Sharon's $1 million 'happy high' was a manageable win which never changed her as a person.

It was enough to not worry about being able to afford things and gave her hope about owning her own home.

She also looked to donate to a charity in Wellington and continue helping her family.

'I'm still the same person I was before, nothing's changed. I was never a money person but I'm glad I can help my family.'