Despite winning £1,000,000 on the lottery, an Argyll couple were yesterday putting the final touches to preparations for a local Armed Forces Day.
Volunteers Geordie and Betty Rhodick of Lochgilphead matched the Millionaire Maker code in the EuroMillions Mega Friday draw on May 29.
Considering the winning ticket nearly ended up in the recycling bin, the couple think luck is on their side, and yesterday they collected their big cheque.
Mr Rhodick said: “If it hadn’t been for my Betty none of this would be happening right now.
“After moaning about being skint, she pulled the old tickets from the bin and decided to check them just in case we missed an odd win – we couldn’t believe that we nearly missed out on becoming millionaires.”
But the couple have continued with their daily routine and got on with organising Armed Forces Day, the only armed forces day in Argyll, which takes place on Saturday.
Mrs Rhodick, 63, admitted that the lottery win had been “a bit distracting” for them.
Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders veteran Mr Rhodick, 71, is chairman of the Lochgilphead Armed Forces Day committee and Mrs Rhodick is the secretary.
Despite the big win, the down-to-earth couple have continued with their voluntary work and have been selling raffle tickets in the local Co-op.
This year’s Armed Forces Day is set to be the biggest yet, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Argylls being given the freedom of Lochgilphead.
The parade starts from Lochgilphead Drill Hall at noon to Lochgilphead Front Green. Taking part in the parade will be Argyll & Sutherland Highlander veterans, members of the British Legion, local cadets and veterans from other regiments.
Mrs Rhodick said: “Everything seems to be falling into place. It has been different this year. I wouldn’t say the lottery win has made it more special, it has always been special before.”
Part of the lottery prize includes a luxury trip to London. The Rhodicks will be whisked off in a private helicopter and stay at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel in The Shard, the tallest building in Europe.
They plan to give cheques for £25,000 to each of their six children and will buy a new house, which will be put in the names of their 10 grandchildren.