Barrow Family Bags Half a Million After Impromptu Sweet Shop Stop

_{The Bujupis won over half a million pounds on EuroMillions.}

A spur-of-the-moment sweet shop visit in Barrow-in-Furness has turned into a life-changing win for the Bujupi family, who scooped £524,043.10 in the EuroMillions draw on 5 September.

Valdet Bujupi, 44, had been out with his three-year-old daughter when her persistent pleas for sweets prompted a quick stop at a local shop. It was there that he purchased a Lucky Dip ticket, one that would soon make him over half a million pounds richer.

From Sugar Cravings to Shocked Celebrations

Bujupi said the win wouldn’t have happened if not for his daughter’s sweet tooth.

“Our daughter is very persistent when it comes to sweets and, despite trying to stand firm, on the third ‘please daddy can I have some sweets?’ I caved in and headed into the shop. I’m very pleased I did, if it hadn’t been for her sweet tooth I wouldn’t have bought that Lucky Dip ticket.” 

While he was out, his wife Abbey, 40, received the call confirming the win.

“I was cleaning the bathroom and was not impressed at having to take off my rubber gloves to answer the phone,” she said. “Valdet’s first words were, ‘book New York, I’ve won the Lottery!’” 

The couple initially kept the news to themselves, taking time to process it before revealing it to their 12-year-old son.

A Trip to London, and Now New York

The family first marked the occasion with a celebratory trip to London, where Abbey said the experience made the win feel “special” and reminded them that “life is sweet.”

But the real dream lies across the Atlantic. The Bujupis have long hoped to visit New York, a goal they had been saving toward since last Christmas, always with something else getting in the way. Now, they say, the trip is firmly on the cards.

Beyond travel plans, the family is thinking about the future. They are considering buying a new home to give their children more space, as well as supporting their education.

Sharing the Fortune, Starting With Kosovo

The Bujupis also plan to use part of their winnings to support relatives abroad. Originally from Kosovo, Valdet hopes to provide something meaningful for his mother.

“The benefits of this win are truly worldwide,” he said. “Although we’re still working out what, the first big present will be something for my mum in Kosovo to make her life a little bit easier.” 

He also believes his recent win may have been written in the stars.

“I always believed you have to be in it to win it… a month ago I dreamt I won the Lottery. Was that a premonition? I don’t know but what I do know, we’re all over the moon, and our daughter, who was already daddy’s princess, has now been promoted to the Queen.”