Man who won £2.4m on lottery will captain England at pool thanks to his huge win

23 October 2023 , 06:39

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Man who won £2.4m on lottery will captain England at pool thanks to his huge win

A lottery millionaire will captain England at pool next week after becoming hooked following his jackpot win.

Neil Jones, who won £2.4m on the National Lottery in 2010, has been named as skipper for the European Championships. The 59-year-old was a snooker player in his teens but had never played pool before he landed the life-changing jackpot.

He picked up a cue while searching for a new hobby after retiring as a self-employed tiler following the Lotto win. One of his first purchases with the cash was a pool table, which he had installed in his luxury home in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. He honed his skills at a nearby club.

He is now set to experience his 'proudest moment' (PA)

He played for hours every day during the Covid-19 lockdown and became so good he attracted the attention of England selectors. Neil narrowly missed out on selection for the national team in 2021 but eventually got to represent his country earlier this year.

Now he has been named captain for the B team in the European Championships in Malta next week. Proud Neil said: “To pull on an England shirt in any sport is every schoolboy’s dream.

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“To be asked by your peers to captain your country... I can’t put it into words. I just wish my dear Dad was here to see it.

Neil's first purchase after winning £2.4m was a pool table (PA)

“When I didn’t get through in the previous trials, I remember him saying, ‘maybe next year’. Unfortunately, he passed away the following year but I know he will be looking down on me, following my every pot, cheering me on.”

Neil and his partner, Julie Kirkham, were down to their last £13 when he bought a Lotto ticket at his local Bargain Booze in 2010. “Winning the National Lottery doesn’t just mean fast cars and luxury foreign holidays,” he said.

Neil Jones and Julie Kirkham celebrating their win in 2010 (PA)

“For many normal, working-class people like me it means the opportunity to pursue your dreams, especially if you are lucky enough to finish work due to your new-found wealth. I couldn’t have afforded a pool table before and do all the things I’ve been so lucky to do.

“If it wasn’t for my lottery win, I’d still be on my hands and knees tiling someone’s bathroom. I can’t wait to put on that England shirt.”

Martin Fricker