A Birmingham man has described the "unbelievable" start to his 2026 after winning a massive £250,000 on a National Lottery scratchcard, securing a new job, and finally enjoying a Christmas holiday.
A Festive Turn of Fortune
Anthony Brayson, a 38-year-old retail manager from Birmingham, saw his fortunes transform over the festive period. After relishing his first proper Christmas break in years, free from the usual retail rush, his luck escalated dramatically. In the run-up to Christmas, he headed to his local Tesco to cash in a few small winning scratchcards. He decided to use those winnings to try his luck again, purchasing a National Lottery £250k 'Silver Scratchcard'.
"I had to double-check it over and over again," Anthony admitted. The disbelief was so profound that he immediately called his mother, who refused to believe the news. "I had to get my dad to come over and check it as I honestly thought I must have read it wrong!" he said.
Life-Changing Plans for Family and Home
Once the win was verified by National Lottery operator Allwyn, the reality of his £250,000 windfall began to sink in. Anthony's immediate focus turned to his family, who have supported him for years.
"I've already taken my mum and dad out for some lovely meals," he shared. His plans are heartfelt and practical: paying off the remainder of his mother's mortgage is a top priority. "Knowing she'll have that weight lifted is one of the best parts of this win," he explained.
He also intends to treat his parents to a dream holiday, with California on the wish list, and visit a close friend in Australia. On the home front, Anthony plans to complete major renovations on the house he bought from his late grandmother, including a loft conversion and a new kitchen.
A Winning Streak for the New Year
Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, commented on Anthony's timely good fortune. "Anthony’s story is a brilliant example of how a National Lottery win can come at just the right moment," he said. "This £250k prize gives him the chance to really enjoy life and treat those closest to him."
Reflecting on his incredible start to the year, Anthony said, "Everything just seemed to line up - the new job, Christmas off for the first time, and then this. I still wake up thinking it’s a dream."
Anthony played the ‘£250k Silver’ National Lottery Scratchcard, which costs £2 and offers a one in 3.39 chance of winning any prize. Meanwhile, National Lottery officials are searching for another local winner—a £1 million EuroMillions Millionaire Maker ticket-holder who bought their ticket in a Birmingham store last August and has just one month left to claim.
