A MAN who won £2.4million on the lottery has won a medal for England thanks to an amazing purchase with his winnings.
Neil Jones, 59, had just £13 in his pocket when he and partner Julie Kirkham scooped the life-changing cash just before Christmas 2010.
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Little did Neil know, one of his first purchases as a National Lottery millionaire would lead to international sporting honours.
Having played snooker as a junior, the lucky punter, from Stoke-on-Trent, decided to buy a pool table after netting the cash.
After honing his skills and rising through the ranks, he ended up captaining his country to a podium finish at the recent European Pool Championships.
Neil and his England team competed valiantly in the Euros in Malta and came home with a bronze medal.
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Speaking at his home after returning from Malta, Neil said: “Firstly a huge congratulations to the team and thank you to my teammates – Bob Philpot, Andy Marples, Gaz McCloud, Michael Hunt and Mark Warnes.
“It was the first time I had experienced the honour of pulling on an England shirt at a major championships and, to add to that, I had the privilege to be captaining my country.”
He continued: “I was very nervous but the team pulled together and, after finding our form we beat some excellent teams before coming up just short in a tight match against Wales B1 in the semis.
“At the time of the semi-final loss we were all gutted but, upon reflection, if you’d have offered us a podium place when we left home we’d have jumped at it.
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“It was the most amazing journey and I can’t believe that we won a medal. I am so proud.”
Neil’s lottery win allowed him to retire, and, with more free time, he was able to rise up through the ranks to become a regular county player before his first England trial back in 2021.
After narrowly missing out back then, he continued playing and practising until he was asked to trial again in early 2023.
This time the Neil was successful and was awarded his England colours during a Home Nations tournament.
Since returning from Malta, Neil has already been back to The Plaza and played for the club in the local league.
Neil said, “I’d like to say well done to my teammates and the England managers.
“Also congratulations to Scotland on winning. I wish to thank all my friends for supporting me on this journey. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Neil summed up: “I just wish my Dad was still here to see what we’ve done. This medal is for him.”
Stoke-on-Trent is a hotbed of potting talent and Neil joins an illustrious list of top Potteries players who have represented their country at major pool championships.
Owner of The Plaza where Neil plays, Adam Davies, is an ex-World Champion himself.
And some of Neil’s fellow Plaza club members are England players and champions.
