STATISTICS from the National Lottery have revealed that the building trade is the luckiest profession when it comes to wins, with 331 millionaire builders created since the first National Lottery draw took place back in November 1994.
Drivers are in second place in the luckiest professions chart, with 193 millionaires created, and more than 1,500 major prizes totalling over £750m picked up by bus drivers, cab-bies and lorry drivers.
Secretaries and admin staff have written up almost 2,000 major wins worth over £840m and come in third place, followed by the manufacturing profession with total winnings of over £615m and 176 millionaires, and then retail or shop assistants, who have amassed £500m, with 146 millionaires created.
Former bus driver and National Lottery millionaire Peter Lavery from Belfast scooped over £10m in 1996.
“Most people think ‘It could never happen to me’, but I’m living proof that it can happen to anybody at any time,” said Peter. “It’s wonderful to see so many other drivers and, of course, workers from all other professions, enjoying the good fortune that I did.
“I’ve certainly enjoyed my win, which has helped create a better life for me and the people that are important to me.”
He added: “I’ve also invested my money wisely in a number of business ventures and plans are now at an advanced stage to build my own distillery at the historic Crumlin Road Gaol site in Belfast.”