Lego enthusiast Malcolm Haines, who recently won £1 million in the lottery, has decided to expand his Lego collection by purchasing a Star Wars Death Star model. Haines, a 54-year-old father of three, has transformed a spare room in his home into a dedicated Lego shrine, showcasing his prized £550 Lego Death Star model, which was the first item he bought with his lottery winnings in 2021.
Driven by his passion for Lego, Haines has now acquired the Millennium Falcon, necessitating additional space for his growing collection. Expressing his excitement, Haines stated, “If buying the Death Star was thrilling, purchasing a £750 Lego Millennium Falcon was even more exhilarating.” The large size of the Millennium Falcon prompted Haines to convert a space in his home for his Lego creations.
The lucky winner, a supporter of Watford FC, purchased his winning lottery ticket at an Asda Supercentre in Lower Earley, Berks., on January 9, 2021. Planning to fulfill his travel dreams with his family, Haines has his sights set on destinations like Peru, Canada, and Iceland.
Although Haines initially planned extravagant trips, he admitted that his greatest joy has come from indulging in his Lego hobby during the pandemic. As an accountant, Haines typically makes prudent financial decisions, but winning the lottery altered his perspective. Reflecting on his childhood love for Lego and Star Wars, Haines shared, “Since my win, I’ve been happily investing in Lego sets that I previously only dreamed of owning.”
Despite his newfound wealth, Haines continues to work as an accountant and finds immense satisfaction in his Lego collection. He emphasized, “Investing in Lego has brought me immense joy, alongside family holidays and a better work-life balance. It’s like being a child in a toy store all over again.”
Haines credits his enduring love for Lego and Star Wars to his childhood experiences and passing on his passion to his son. His lottery win was a culmination of years of anticipation, as he used to drive past The National Lottery Head Office on his way to Watford FC games, confidently predicting his eventual £1 million win.
In addition to securing his family’s financial future and supporting his children’s education, Haines cherishes the moments spent in his Lego room, reminiscing about each build and eagerly contemplating his next purchase. Embracing his inner child, Haines expressed his delight, stating, “When I’m surrounded by my Lego creations, I’m not just a sensible accountant – I’m a grown man enjoying his toys, and that’s an incredible feeling.”
