Gold Coast war veteran to donate part of lotto win to defence charity

A war veteran has become the latest Gold Coaster to win a lotto first prize, and he’s got some special plans for the money.

A GOLD Coast war veteran has revealed he will donate some of his lottery win to defence force charities, after collecting $200,000 in this week’s draw.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, bought the winning first prize ticket in Thursday’s Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw at Paradise Point News.

“I went into my local outlet last night and the lady there told me (I’d won),” he said.

“I was crying, she was crying, we were both very emotional.

“It’s come at the most perfect time.

“It’s a big relief … this really means the world to me.”

The winner planned to donate some of his prize to his favourite charity, Mates4Mates, an organisation that supports current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families.

“There’s a lot of soldiers out there doing it tough, so I really want to help in whatever way I can,” he said.

“I am also going to put some on my mortgage and pay off some bills.”

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The man said his $200,000 lotto win came as a “big relief”.

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The man said he would have a quiet celebration tonight after confirming the win this afternoon.

“Honestly, I will probably just take my dog for a long walk and then go out for a nice meal,” he said.

“That’s the perfect night for me.”

Paradise Point News owner Patrick Walsh said he was thrilled to have sold a winning first prize entry to such a deserving customer.

“We are very excited! This is the first major prize we have sold since we took over the shop,” he said.

“I am thrilled for the winner and wish him all the best with his prize.”