'I won £1m on scratchcard at my local Co-op – here's the first thing I'm buying'

Retired sailor Alan Wilcock once went around the world during his time in the Merchant Navy – now he is charting a course for his new life as a millionaire

A retired sailor is celebrating a life-changing £1m lottery win after purchasing a scratchcard at his local Co-op. Alan Wilcock has already earmarked his first purchase – a new mobility scooter to enhance his independence.

The 75-year-old could not contain his delight, saying: "When I realised I'd won, everything changed in an instant. I've gone from being careful with my pension to having choices I never thought I'd have again.

"It's not just about what I can buy, it's also about ensuring I can continue to enjoy my independence and freedom to live life on my own terms." The Bristol man added: "To help me to do that, I'd like a new set of wheels... in the form of a brand-new mobility scooter.

"My current one does the job to an extent but now I have the means to choose exactly the right one for me, with cost being no object. Retaining my freedom and independence is priceless."

Having spent 15 years traversing the globe with the Merchant Navy, Alan chose to mark his windfall aboard the SS Great Britain, the historic steamship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Reflecting on the experience, Alan said: "It was great to be back on board a ship again, having spent so many years on ships of varying shapes and sizes, but none quite so historic as this one."

Alan, who has yet to finalise his wish list with his newfound fortune, is planning a lavish celebration with his friends, reports Bristol Live. "I know that I want to use the winnings to enjoy life, and that starts with a party for my friends," he said. "I'll hire a place, put my card behind the bar and simply say to everyone 'Enjoy!' It'll be a great night and we'll be raising a few glasses of Guinness, toasting the win and my friends."

After purchasing the lucky National Lottery Mega Multiplier Scratchcard from his local Co-op, Alan took it home and discovered his life-altering prize.

"I was in shock," he said. "I couldn't believe it and I was shaking. Even though I had to go back down eight floors, I just had to get back to the shop and ask the question, 'is this Scratchcard really a winner?'

"They duly checked it and returned it to me saying, 'Yes, it looks like it is! You'd better phone The National Lottery!' "It was then back into the lift, into my flat and, because I don't have a smartphone – I don't even text – the son of a friend checked the National Lottery website for all the details and then I called and had my win confirmed."

The precious Scratchcard remained with Alan constantly until he met with a winners' adviser from Allwyn, the National Lottery's operator. He explained: "I put the Scratchcard in a plastic sleeve and kept it on me at all times, both in the house and out and about. It was too special to let go."

During his time in the Merchant Navy, Alan had the opportunity to visit nearly every corner of the globe. His travels took him to every continent and most countries, allowing him to indulge his passion for live rock music worldwide. He has seen Pink Floyd 18 times, Led Zeppelin twice and the Rolling Stones a whopping 26 times.

Alan purchased his winning Mega Multiplier Scratchcard from the Co-op on Coronation Road in Bristol.