A UK National Lottery player who won a £20,000 prize feels he no longer has anything to celebrate because he has been told his win makes him ineligible for some his social security benefits.
Scotsman George Grant, 54, had a motorbike accident in 1980. The accident left him with mobility problems that prevent him from being able to work.
A former DJ and Youth Leader, Grant has been living on benefits ever since.
"That accident stopped everything in its tracks," he said.
Grant has been buying lottery tickets since they first went on sale 30 years ago, but never won a major prize until last month when his Lucky Dip ticket bagged him a £20,000 Raffle prize.
When he first learned of the win Grant decided to pay off some debts he owes to family members and hoped to be able to fund a trip to Nashville.
"I’ve always wanted to go to Nashville because of Geordie Jack and Colorado [the band]. Geordie was good to me after my accident," Grant explained.
His hopes were dashed when he visited the Highland Council service point and was told his windfall would result in a fall in benefits.
"I wish I'd never won this money, the hassle it has caused me. I won't be buying a ticket again," Grant said.
But there may be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Richard Gale, manager of East Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau, is hoping he may be able to help Grant get past all the red tape and find a way for him to make the trip after all.
Meanwhile, Grant remains disillusioned.
"I was never meant to have any money," he said.
