It was a Wakefield couple who won a £6.6 million National Lottery jackpot back in 2013 that Amanda and Graham Nield are again making headlines. The couple, who won ten years ago, has just announced plans to downsize from their five-bedroom home to an even simpler, more manageable lifestyle.
Despite being multimillionaires, Amanda, 59 years old, and her husband, Graham, have stayed humble. Amanda candidly said, “Before we won, I would imagine going on shopping sprees in Paris or buying fancy cars and houses. But when it happened, I realised I didn‘t want those things. It‘s strange.”
Before their win, the Nields were carpet factory workers facing financial difficulties. On the day they won the jackpot, they had just returned from a car boot sale, preparing to move in with Amanda’s parents to provide care. Their newfound wealth allowed them to retire and build a bungalow with an annexe, enabling quality time with Amanda’s parents before their passing.
The couple celebrated with an inexpensive wedding at a local register office and a reception on their rugby club. Amanda further revealed that they have economical spending habits, as she mentions that they enjoy holidays during which the family goes to Cyprus inexpensively and still hunt for bargains. She said, “If I like a jumper and it‘s £30, I‘ll buy it, but I wouldn‘t if it was £300.“
Amanda and Graham have also avoided spoiling their 18 grandchildren. “It‘s not our job to buy the big things for Christmas,” Amanda said, pointing out thoughtful, meaningful gifts rather than outrageous purchases.
Although they‘ve treated themselves to some goodies-a Nissan Pathfinder and an excursion to Australia-the heart of their lifestyle has not altered. They want to give up a three-bedroom house for, they said, because “it’s just a bit too big“.
Lottery advisor Andy Carter said that most winners want to live normally after the windfall. Amanda and Graham‘s story is an example, proving that wealth does not always lead to lavish living but gives security and cherished moments with family.
