30 April 2023 , 01:27
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A ‘modest’ and ‘humble’ builder who won the EuroMillions jackpot in 2019 is secretly pining for his old life, friends claim.
Friends of Steve Thomson claim the former builder is missing bantering with his work colleagues while on the job.
Steve won £105million on the lottery in 2019, and now spends most of his time taking his dog for a walk or spending time with his family at home, a £4.5million estate in Kent.
Steve originally had a business selling windows and conservatories in Selsey, West Sussex. He didn’t give up his business immediately after winning the lottery, instead staying on to complete outstanding orders for his customers.
He also decided to help out his local community, by giving £50,000 to the school two of his sons attended, £50,000 to a medical centre and £100,000 to a cricket club.
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The builder's friends think he misses life on the tools (Steve Reigate)One pal told the Sun: “Steve obviously feels really lucky to be in the position he’s in.
"But nothing could’ve prepared him for the change in his life after he won the EuroMillions. He’s a very modest, humble bloke and loved his life as a builder.
“Steve misses the job and all that comes with it, like the great lads he worked with and the brilliant banter they had together on site.”
The former builder gave up his job after winning the lottery (David Dyson)Steve originally lived with his wife Lenka and their three children, in a £150,000 three-bed terrace house. They decided to stay there for a year before purchasing their current home.
The 14.5-acre property boasts a swimming pool, tennis court and six bedrooms, with Steve remarking: “The kids have finally got their own bedrooms.”
Steve could have even more reason not to return to work, after investing a large chunk of his win into a trust with bank Coutts & Co.
Steve and Lenka could make another £90million over the next 20 years (PA)It has been predicted that he could make another £90 million over the next 20 years.
The cash invested in the couple's two separate trusts are invested in stocks, shares and property.
Although the builder, who has been termed ‘Mr Sensible’ by his friends, allowed himself to splash out on three £100,000 Range Rovers, a £100,000 Tesla and a £200,000 'bright green Lamborghini.
Despite owning several supercars, he still drives his wife’s second-hand Volvo.
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