Hessle man plans to celebrate £2m EuroMillions win with friends and family

HE'S undoubtedly Hessle's most eligible bachelor having banked almost £2 million on the EuroMillions.

Oliver Milner, who turns 28 this month, almost did not make it in time to buy a ticket when he popped into a Tesco garage minutes before the 7.30pm deadline.

It was not until the following Saturday morning when he checked the draw results on his mobile phone that he realised he had matched all five numbers and one lucky star – winning £1,944,322.90.

"It's what dreams are made of," he said. "I was in complete shock and had to get my mum and stepdad to double-check I wasn't seeing things.

"Mum was hysterical and we just couldn't believe it.

"It still doesn't feel real. I always joked about winning the lottery and what I'd do with the money and who I'd treat.

"I'm a man of my word and I'll stay grounded throughout all of this."

Far from going onto the internet to make impulse purchases and search for his dream car, Oliver simply ordered a takeaway and tried to let the news sink in.

"I ordered chicken and plum sauce but I couldn't eat much of it, so it went cold," he said.

"I didn't sleep for two or three days and instead went to celebrate at my sister's house.

"We had a barbecue and it was great to be around family and share my news with them.

"I play the EuroMillions every now and again and didn't even get the chance to pick any numbers so it was a lucky dip."

Having never lived alone, Oliver is planning on finally flying the nest and moving out of his family home.

He said: "It's very expensive to get on the property ladder and I just haven't been able to before.

"Now I don't have to worry about money and will be able to get a nice place and be more independent."

The former South Hunsley School pupil dreamed of being a footballer when he was younger but ended up taking a different route due to health problems.

After studying he worked on a deli counter at Sainsbury's before taking at job at npower as a customer service adviser.

It was a role he thoroughly enjoyed for two years but Oliver said he felt he had to hand in his notice and figure out what he was going to do next following his big win.

"I went from working on the fresh meat counter to taking on a few college courses in IT," he said.

"It didn't work out but then I got a job at npower, the atmosphere was great and I still have a lot of friends from the job.

"A few people were told I'd won the money but I went in person to my manager and told her.

"She thought it was crazy I'd won. I think she was more shocked than I was."

It is still early days for the new millionaire but Oliver has been planning how to spend the cash with friends and family.

He said: "I lied to all of my friends and said I was moving away to America to work for my uncle. It was so that I could get them all in the same room at the same time.

"I then told them the truth and they were all stunned. They were screaming and it was all a bit mad.

"We are planning a trip to New York to celebrate my birthday and I'm taking my family to Florida next year, including my three nieces and nephew.

"I plan to stay in the area and buy a nice house but I don't want somewhere too big because I am on my own."

His relationship status was a hot topic at a press conference at Willerby Manor Hotel as he spoke of his lottery win with mum Dianne Walker, 59.

He said: "I've had a few relationships but I'm a very private person and I'm single at the moment.

"I don't think I would tell somebody I met that I'd won the money, definitely not straight away.

"I'd like to meet someone nice with a good sense of humour and I'd still take them for fish and chips.

"I suppose I am an eligible bachelor now but for the time being I'm going to enjoy the money with friends and family."

Oliver, who currently drives a BMW 1 series, does have his eye on a new car and is planning to buy a Porsche Cayenne or a BMW X6 and invest in a season ticket to see his beloved Manchester United.

Having won up to £4,000 on football accumulators in the past, he is beginning to admit he may be luckier than most.

"This is obviously the biggest amount I've won and it has gone into my bank account," he said.

"I checked it quite a few times and even took a photograph because I still didn't believe it was my money.

"I know who my friends are and I'm excited about the future and how I can enjoy the win.

"Also my mum will be glad I'm finally moving out."