A 20-year-old trainee gas engineer from Carlisle who won £7.5million on the National Lottery has insisted on continuing to work despite becoming an overnight multi-millionaire.
James Clarkson discovered he had won £7,533,329 on January 4 but was back at work the following day.
“I was out in the cold fixing blocked drains the day after I found out I had won,” he said.
“It was a bit grim but that’s reality.”
National Lottery winner, 20, wins £7.5m jackpot – but has one reason why he won’t quit workPA“I’m not going to stop working, I’m too young,” Clarkson added, acknowledging that his decision might sound “mad” to some people.
The young lottery winner remains committed to completing his heating engineer qualification despite his newfound wealth.
“I want to qualify as a heating engineer and then go from there,” he said.
“I need to have a purpose in life,” Clarkson explained.
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‘I need to have a purpose in life,’ Clarkson said about choosing to continue to work
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His father’s advice played a key role in his decision to continue working.
“Dad wouldn’t let me not work anyway. He says there are plenty of millionaires out there that still work and you need a reason to get up each day,” he added.
Despite continuing his work, Clarkson plans to enjoy some luxuries with his winnings.
He has already booked an all-inclusive luxury holiday to Cape Verde.
Clarkson is an avid Manchester City supporter
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The winner treated himself to some designer items, including a Gucci bag for his girlfriend and two new jackets for himself.
An Audi is on his shopping list, though he currently still drives his work van.
“If you drive a cold work van all day, going from job to job, you’d understand. The comfort, the steering, the heated seats,” he said.
As a Manchester City supporter, Clarkson also intends to purchase a season ticket at the Etihad Stadium.
James Clarkson plans to share his fortune with his family
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Clarkson plans to share his good fortune with his family, starting with paying off his parents’ mortgage.
“This win isn’t just for me, I want to make sure we all benefit,” he said.
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot, it’s what I want to do. I told them last night and they seemed really overwhelmed.”
“We are close and they have always been there for me,” Clarkson added.
The lucky winner secured his jackpot through the National Lottery app, selecting his winning numbers – 16, 19, 22, 24, 27 and 35 – at random.