Family win lottery after newborn's surgery

A family from West Sussex is celebrating having won a million pounds in the lottery.

Matt, 41, and his fiancée Courtney, 27, said the win came after their son, Rupert, had to have surgery at 12-weeks to repair a cleft lip and palate.

"It's been a really difficult few months," added Cole.

"We knew before Rupert was born that he would need surgery, but nothing can truly prepare you for seeing your baby go through a five-hour operation at such a young age and having to stay in hospital overnight."

Matt said he "genuinely couldn't believe it" when he won the EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker draw.

"I checked it over and over again. Even now it still hasn't properly sunk in," he added.

Matt and Courtney now say that instead of travelling to Evelina London Children's Hospital for medical appointments, they will be going to London to take the Eurostar to Disneyland Paris with their winnings.

Courtney said they had "always dreamt" of taking their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter Ivy to Disneyland and "seeing her face light up".

"Thanks to this incredible win, that's the first thing on our list."

She added Ivy has "taken everything in her stride and is so caring towards Rupert".

The family said they also plan to buy a new home and car with the winnings.

"Our family and friends have been just as shocked as we are about the win, but they're absolutely over the moon for us.

"After everything we've been through recently, it feels like we've had a really lucky break."

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