Christian Jones, 52, and his wife Lesley, 57, were at home when Omaze came knocking to deliver the life-changing news – and the first thing he did was quit his job
An oil rigger who spends seven months annually working offshore has become an instant millionaire – and his first move was to hand in his notice. Christian Jones, 52, has bagged a life-altering tax-free £1million windfall in the latest Omaze Monthly Millionaire Draw prize.
Christian, who has grafted on offshore oil rigs for nearly two decades, and his wife Lesley, 57, a midwife, have called their Teesside house home since 2008.
The pair, who each have two children from previous relationships, a 7-year-old grandchild and another expected, were entertaining friends when Omaze turned up at their door.
Christian said: “It was a Friday night – we were cooking dinner for friends, the Thai curry was on the go – and the last thing I was expecting was to open the door and find out we’d become millionaires.
“When I first heard the knock at the door I assumed it was a door-to-door salesman and thought it was a bit late for someone to try and sell me a tea towel. I almost didn’t answer, but I’m so glad I did as it’s changed our lives forever.
“We just couldn’t get our heads around what was happening – my friends were just as shocked as we were – we were all shouting and crying, it was chaos. We were just about to sit down for dinner, but it turned out something much tastier was on the menu.”
Christian, of Teesside, said the timing was perfect, adding: “I work offshore, which means I’m away from my family a lot – seven months every year. It’s really tough being apart that long, but I do what I do to provide for my family. This win means that for the first time in 20 years I’ll be able to spend real time with the people I love most in this world.”
He was scheduled to leave his family for another month on the Monday morning after discovering his big win, but he chose to resign instead.
He told Teesside Live: “I was actually feeling pretty miserable as I knew I was going back offshore on Monday – I’m always a bit down on my last weekend as I’m about to be away from everyone for another month. But now the money is in my account, I’ve already resigned! My boss is the best boss you could ever wish for – he was absolutely delighted for me and the family.
“To have this kind of freedom has always been a dream, but winning with Omaze now enables us to make it a reality. I’ll definitely still work, as I like to keep busy, but it’ll be something I actually want to do and enjoy – which I’ve never had before.”
He added: “I just can’t believe it’s happened to us – my stomach has been doing somersaults. You don’t think it’s ever going to be you – we always look at the prizes and think, wow, how nice would that be – but you truly never think it’s going to be you. Seeing the money land in my account was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Christian expressed: “Our kids are all saving for houses, so to be able to help them and their children as well is incredible, it opens up so many opportunities.
“I’ll be home for Christmas this year, so it was already going to be special – but winning £1 million is going to make it the best Christmas ever.”
The couple intend to take some time to digest their windfall before making any significant decisions. However, one thing is certain: “We’ll definitely have a long overdue big family holiday in Florida – I want to have the full Disney experience as I never did it when I was a kid – I think I’m more excited than my grandson.”
Christian, who has been busy with home improvements, shared: “We’ve lived here 18 years – maybe we’ll look at a fresh start eventually. I wish I’d won last week as I’ve almost finished the decorating now – but as I’m a millionaire, I’ll probably get a decorator in to finish the last little bit of painting.”
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