Joe and Jess Thwaite’s £184 Million Lottery Win
On May 11, 2022, Joe and Jess Thwaite of Gloucestershire, England, experienced a life-altering moment that transformed their routine morning into an extraordinary event. What began as a typical “grumpy” start to their day quickly turned surreal when Joe, having awoken at 5:15 a.m., checked his phone and discovered they had won an unprecedented £184,262,899.10 in the EuroMillions lottery. This sum marked the largest lottery jackpot prize ever won in the UK, setting a new record and catapulting the Thwaites into the spotlight.
The Thwaites had been managing the practical challenges of renovating what they thought was their dream home—a picturesque house in the Gloucestershire countryside. Their home, however, was plagued with issues such as a leaky roof and a bucket placed in the hall to catch rainwater. Despite these setbacks, they had persevered, investing time and effort into their renovations.
On the morning of the historic win, Joe’s day started like any other. After tending to their dogs, he checked the lottery results. Initially, he misread the prize amount as being in the thousands. It wasn’t until he scrutinized the digits a second time that the full magnitude of their windfall became clear. Overwhelmed by the realization, Joe described the moment as both “amazing” and “surreal” during a press conference later hosted by Dermot O’Leary.
Choosing to share the news with Jess in person, Joe waited until their alarm signaled the start of the day. Jess, who manages the business side of a family hairdressing salon, was initially skeptical. Her first reaction to Joe’s announcement that their lucky dip ticket had won was, “Don’t be stupid.” It took a moment for Jess to grasp the reality of their situation, leading her to seek support from her mother. Their combined wealth now exceeds that of footballers Harry Kane (£33 million) and Paul Pogba (£64 million) put together. With their fortune, they could purchase four Caribbean islands, with several million left over, or buy 11 six-bedroom luxury homes in the prestigious Hyde Park area of London. They went on to launch their very own investment fund. This allows them to invest some of their wealth into businesses they hope will make a return on the cash injection.
The Thwaites planned to step back from their jobs and use their newfound wealth to benefit family and friends. Despite their newfound financial freedom, they remained grounded, reflecting on their previous struggles with the cost of living crisis and their ongoing renovation efforts. They also discussed future plans, including holidays to Hawaii and a ranch in Texas, and considered what to do with their former dream home. Joe and Jess Thwaite’s record-breaking win not only transformed their lives but also set a new benchmark for lottery jackpots, demonstrating the profound impact such a windfall can have. Give it a shot by visiting Simbalotto.com.
