Diana told reporters at a press conference that she will take her pal Sandy Marsden, who she met whilst travelling in China and at whose house she has been staying in East Rudham, near Fakenham, on the two-week VIP break. The trip includes business-class flights, five-star accommodation, sumptuous meals and relaxing spa treatments. She admitted that her win came the first time she had ever played EuroMillions and she had only done so on a whim after spotting an advert at a village shop whilst she was claiming scratchcard winnings.
The lucky winner has a history of marking her birthdays in unusual ways, having base jumped from Auckland’s imposing Sky Tower as part of the festivities last year. This time around Diana, who has seven great-grandchildren, wanted to mark the beginning of a new decade by wing walking, but the plan was cancelled because she couldn’t provide the correct medical certificate. However, by purchasing her EuroMillions tickets, she ensured her 70th would be one to remember! “[I] thought the wing walk was the perfect way to charge into my seventies, I didn’t think anything could beat it but let me tell you, winning a million pounds is certainly up there for getting the heart pumping,” she joked.
Although Diana is heading back to New Zealand soon, she says she has a great affection for the UK and has many family members and friends in the country. She has yet to settle into the laid-back life of a lottery winner though, as Sandy disclosed to the assembled press. “It’s been so nice having her to stay,” she said, “and my garden looks a million dollars thanks to her visit - anyone who says money changes you has no idea, I’ve had our latest millionaire mowing the lawns and cutting hedges all week!”
Mega Friday draws take place on the last Friday of each month in the UK and offer multiple Millionaire Maker prizes plus an additional deluxe non-cash award so that the lucky winners can get a true taste of the life of luxury.
For your chance to sample the millionaire lifestyle, you can buy EuroMillions tickets online or from authorised retailers in each of the nine participating nations. Good luck!