Betfred Lotto Big Winner: Couple turn £5 into £50k on the 49s

For 15 years, Mr & Mrs Nixon have always used the same numbers on the 49s Lotto at Betfred.

Those are 9, 12, 19 and 24, which are based around family birthdays – and two years ago they all came up, but careworker Debbie Nixon forgot to put her bet on.

“She was absolutely gutted. She just forgot as she was so busy that day,” said 50-year-old husband Ashley, from Hucknell, Nottingham.

But they decided to stick with the same numbers – a decision which has paid handsomely, as today they are celebrating winning £50,000 from a £5 wager.

He went on: “We’re going to spend some of it on home and garden improvements and pay for our son’s driving lessons. We’ve also got some unfinished business from our holiday in Las Americas in Tenerife.

“By unfinished business, I mean we were there for seven days and there was so much more that we wanted to do, but we just ran out of time so we’re going back there for certain.

One thing Ashley won’t be doing is giving up his job removing hazardous waste from hospitals.

“I just love my work, and will definitely be carrying on,” he said. “You can be sure of that.”

Betfred boss Fred Done said:

“This hard-working couple really deserve their good fortune.

“They’ve been with us many years, and I’m delighted they have stuck with their numbers which have come through for them. Enjoy the winter sunshine!”