A mother-of-three from Kent battled Stage 3 bowel cancer, lost her home, and faced severe financial hardships before a stroke of luck changed everything.
In August 2014, Desiree Home and her husband Wayne won a staggering £1million in the EuroMillions lottery, marking a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes.
Now, a decade after their life-changing win, Desiree has fulfilled a promise she made to herself.
She has penned a book about her extraordinary journey, hoping to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.
Desiree was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer in 2008 at the age of 50.
Detailing her battle with the disease was harrowing, she said: “During my treatment I ‘died’ twice from respiratory failure in the hospital and spent 11 days in ICU.”
Desiree then developed Cauda Equina Syndrome, requiring further surgery.
She and her husband subsequently lost their jobs.
“With absolutely no money and mounting debts we had no choice but to sell our forever home and move away into a small mobile home, splitting up our family,” Desiree added.
Then, in August 2014, everything changed when Wayne called Desiree with some life-changing news.
A mother-of-three from Kent battled Stage 3 bowel cancer, lost her home, and faced severe financial hardships before a stroke of luck changed everythingPA
“I can remember that call from Wayne as clear as if it were yesterday,” Desiree recalled.
Initially, she thought they had won £500,000, but Wayne soon clarified it was actually double that amount.
The couple had won a staggering £1million with the EuroMillions.
Desiree, still recovering from her latest surgery, was determined to join Wayne in celebrating their National Lottery win.
Standing on the bow of a boat, spraying champagne and holding a cheque for £1million, Desiree reflected on the dramatic turn of events.
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In August 2014, Desiree Home and her husband Wayne won a staggering £1 million in the EuroMillions lottery, marking a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes
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Desiree’s remarkable story has now been published in her book, “And Then”.
“I didn’t for one minute think I could write it all down in a book, then again neither did I think I would ever be a cancer survivor or hold a National Lottery cheque for £1m!” Desiree said.
The book covers her life in the WRENS, meeting Wayne, an ex-submariner, raising their three children, and the subsequent hardships and triumphs.
While Desiree continues to face health challenges, she remains hopeful. “If it helps just one other person to keep hope I shall be overjoyed,” she shared.
“And Then” is available on Amazon as a Kindle edition.