A Devon father's ordinary evening commute transformed into an extraordinary life-changing event when a simple detour for tea resulted in a monumental lottery win. Sean Henderson, a 39-year-old carpenter from Ilfracombe, has become the fortunate recipient of The National Lottery's 'Set For Life' top prize, securing an astonishing £10,000 every month for the next three decades.
From Parking Frustration to Life-Changing Fortune
Mr Henderson's remarkable story began on 22 December 2025, as he finished his working day and planned a routine stop at a supermarket to purchase some tea. Like many motorists across Britain, he encountered the all-too-familiar irritation of a completely full car park, forcing him to abandon his initial destination.
This minor inconvenience, however, proved to be the catalyst for an incredible twist of fate. "Thanks to the car park being full I was led to another supermarket and my National Lottery Set for Life luck," Mr Henderson explained. He diverted to The Co-op in Ilfracombe, where a National Lottery display immediately caught his eye.
A Sudden Urge to Play
"It was when I walked into The Co-op that I saw The National Lottery stand directly in front of me," he recalled. "Something just told me to buy a ticket - I was feeling lucky, and it turns out that I certainly was! This purchase has changed my life forever – and that of my little boy's too!"
The following morning, while preparing his first coffee of the day, Mr Henderson decided to check his ticket using the official National Lottery app. The ticket had been left on top of the microwave, and what he discovered left him in a state of disbelief.
Disbelief and Careful Safekeeping
Upon realising his win, his immediate reaction was to protect the precious slip. He stored it securely within the pages of his favourite book, which he then placed in his bedside drawer. "I was so scared of losing the ticket – or actually waking up and finding out it had all been a dream," he admitted.
In the days that followed, he found himself repeatedly verifying the win. "I would literally wake up every single morning in the days which followed and continuously check the ticket over and over again – just to keep confirming that I was definitely a winner!" he said. "The noise the app makes when you have won a prize is now locked in my head forever! I am probably singing it in my sleep!"
Celebrating a New Chapter
To mark his incredible good fortune, Mr Henderson indulged in a modest celebration of a coffee and a sandwich. In a poignant gesture of gratitude, he also left a bouquet of flowers outside the supermarket where he originally intended to park, vowing to thank it every Christmas for its lack of spaces.
The win arrives at a perfect moment for the carpenter, who has worked diligently since leaving school at 16. He is now planning to celebrate his upcoming 40th birthday with a luxurious trip to a five-star hotel in the Canary Islands with his partner.
Future Plans and Family Treats
Looking ahead, Mr Henderson is excited about moving into a new home of his own. He also intends to treat his family to special meals out and has promised his son a brand new PlayStation 5. The financial security provided by the Set For Life prize means he can now focus on creating lasting memories with his loved ones.
Andy Carter, Senior Winners' Advisor at Allwyn, the operator of The National Lottery, commented on the win. "Sean's story is a brilliant example of how a National Lottery win can come at just the right moment," he said. "After working hard since leaving school, the chance to really enjoy life and treat those closest to him is now possible with his fabulous Set For Life win!"
This extraordinary tale from Devon serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most frustrating daily obstacles can unexpectedly pave the way for life's greatest blessings.
