AN ULVERSTON couple has shared how winning a EuroMillions prize money changed their lives in the past six years.

Helen and Derek Garnett won the sum of £1million on The National Lottery back in 2017 months after Helen was given the all-clear following a cervical cancer diagnosis.

Six years since their win, Mrs Garnett said she still vividly remembers when they found out about their win.

"We were in shock," said Mrs Garnett.

"We couldn't quite believe it. It has never happened to anyone we know, so it was surreal.

"In the beginning, it was weird to be splashed all over the internet, and the news and everybody recognised us, but it was all really nice. Occasionally we still get people asking if we were the ones that won the lottery."

Their win allowed the couple to stop working, travel across Europe and build their 'dream house' in Ulverston. 

Mrs Garnett said: "We already had our house up for sale and looking to move when we won. My husband always wanted to build his own house so we found an old house on a great bit of land, we demolished it and built a dream house on it.

"It took a few years but it was worth doing because now we have an amazing house and I love it."

Mr and Mrs Garnett said they did not get carried away with their winnings.

"We just live the same, but with more security, and we can do different things," said Mrs Garnett.

"It is a lot of money but you do have to be careful if you want it to last. You've got to take your time and then make decisions on what you want to do."

"I still do the lottery every week because I have done it for a long time now and I like doing it. I'd be very lucky to win again, and I don't think I'd tell anyone if I did."

The family is planning an overseas trip to Las Vegas to celebrate their daughter's 21st birthday.