A former builder was left fighting for his life just months after winning the jackpot on a National Lottery scratch card.
Adam Lopez, from Norwich, says he now regrets the extravagant lifestyle he led following his £1m win in June after a blood clot left him hospitalised with a life-threatening condition.
The 39-year-old admits he blew money on shopping and going out - including buying a Range Rover Sport SUV, worth around £75,000 – after becoming a millionaire.
But living the high life soon turned into the scariest time of his life.
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Mr Lopez said: “When I won the money, my family was in disbelief, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders
“I could finally clear my debts
“For the first three months I went out, enjoyed the cash, lived life.”
Mr Lopez describes how in the weeks leading up to his hospitalisation, he had felt a constant pain in his left leg and was more tired than normal. After an evening at home with his mum, he finally decided enough was enough.
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“An ambulance arrived within seven minutes.
"I spent eight nights in hospital.
“At this point, the money meant nothing, the car meant nothing.”
He was wheeled across his driveway, past his flash new car, and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
“My whole world came tumbling down,” Mr Lopez added.
“I’m not scared of anything or anyone, but this was a massive wake-up call
“I’m not proud of the lifestyle I led after winning the money
“My biggest regret was quitting my job.”
Mr Lopez, who holds the world record for the fastest time to run a mile in a swimming pool, was diagnosed with a bilateral pulmonary embolism in both lungs.
“It all stemmed from a blood clot in my left leg.
“The lowest point for me was not admitting to myself I needed to get medical help.”
After eight nights in hospital, Mr Lopez was discharged and has since been attending frequent appointments at both the hospital and his GP surgery.
“I would like to thank the paramedics and the hospital staff at the NNUH, I am so appreciative, they were incredible.”
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