National lottery winner kept teaching to help kids pass GCSEs despite £2m riches

06 September 2023 , 15:32

1059     0

Mike Law, from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, stayed on to teach GCSE students after winning the lottery

A teacher who bagged £2million on the National Lottery continued to turn up to work for months despite his big win.

Mike Law, from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire, won the prize in October 2021 - but decided to hold on to his job as an arts and photography teacher until just a few weeks ago. He explained that he stayed in his role to make sure he finished teaching his GCSE students, who took their exams earlier this year.

Mr Law has now cleared his desk after 23 years in the job to fulfil his dream of writing a novel - but admitted he will miss teaching as it is “part” of him.

The couple from Bromsgrove picked up the £2million prize in October 2021

Reflecting on his change of direction, the 52-year-old said: “How many people have wanted to change careers but found themselves in a rut and unable to take a leap of faith? To me, winning the lottery isn’t about fast cars and speed boats, it’s about opportunity and making memories.

"I have been given this chance and I’m very lucky to be able to have a go at making a long-standing passion, my job. Having been through a tough few years, like many, and losing close family members just before the win, including my Mum, I realised life is very short and I had been given an unexpected opportunity.”

Striking teacher forced to take a second job to pay bills ahead of mass walkout

Mike now plans to write a novel after quitting in the summer

Mrs Law, a marketing and communications manager in education, said their lives have remained mostly the same despite their big financial boost. She said: “We are very much the same, normal family. We no longer have the worry of a mortgage, which is a huge relief, but we want to remain grounded.

“Yes, we have had a few treats, we’ve been on a trip to Lapland, a dream of mine since we had the boys, but not a great deal more. The plan was to use the winnings to improve the quality of our lives, make memories and provide for our kids, and Mike changing his career is the first piece of that jigsaw.” Mr Law added: “That’s the beauty of winning. It has given me the freedom to have a go and totally immerse myself in something I enjoy, I am deeply grateful for that opportunity.”

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas