When Mr Thwaite got up to walk the dogs at 5:15 British Standard Time (BST) on Tuesday, he found out he had won something. When he found out how much money they had won, he remarked that he “didn’t know what to do.”
Mrs Thwaite admitted that her initial response was one of disbelief. Later the authorities confirmed to her their record-breaking win with Camelot, the company that operates the National Lottery. She continued her usual morning routine in an effort to keep her hopes from getting too high before they were able to confirm the win with Camelot.
The couple, who had previously lived in Pershore, Worcestershire, stated that winning the competition would give them “time to share lots of experiences and go on adventures with their family and friends.”
Mr Thwaite has been married to his wife, who co-owns and operates the hair salon with her sister, for the past 11 years. Mr Thwaite’s wife manages the business side of the salon. Together, they have two children who are still in elementary school, and Joe also has two children from a previous marriage who are in their twenties.
The family celebrated the victory by sharing a meal, but the only reward they have given themselves thus far is new bedroom furniture.
Ms Thwaite, who co-owns a hair salon with her sister and has not yet decided whether or not she will continue working, has a different opinion from that of her husband, Mr Thwaite. He is employed as a communication sales engineer and has already submitted his resignation.
“The win gives us time to dream, which we haven’t had before,” Ms Thwaite said. They have had a week to consider this. They now have the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones engaging in a wide variety of activities and having exciting new experiences.
The couple has just moved into what they refer to as their “dream” home, and the money they win will allow them to continue making improvements to it. Mrs Thwaite explained that the family wanted to provide a “country-type lifestyle” for their children, so they purchased the property. The family now resides with their three dogs, five chickens, two geckos, and three ponies.
The previous record of £170 million was won by an unidentified player from the United Kingdom. The highest previous named winners are Colin and Chris Weir, originally from North Ayrshire and won £161 million in 2011.
