A granddad who has bagged a health lottery win for the second time in seven years will be spreading his luck after his granddaughter's fight against leukaemia and his partner’s chemo hell 

Frank Spratt of Blyth, 65, had already used the £31,449 jackpot winnings he collected in November 2015 on helping his kids – one to go to university and the other to set up her first home.

And now, after striking lucky for a second time – winning a £67,000 Health Lottery jackpot - the tutor has promised to help those who supported his partner Ann Langdown through a cancer battle, and a gym that teaches disadvantaged youngsters how to box.

And they are even planning to tie the knot next year.

The Northern Echo:

Frank, who works as a tutor, said: “It’s absolutely fabulous to have won this prize. Totally unexpected.

"I was at home, working when someone from The Health Lottery called to tell me I’d won a motorhome or the cash equivalent.

"I didn’t believe it at first. In fact, I thought it was a hoax but soon discovered it was real. I think I lost my voice at that point."

He added: “I’ve been playing The Health Lottery since it was launched. I was a little bit disillusioned with other lotteries and I wanted to contribute directly to charitable causes. Both Ann and I felt it’s the least we could do.”

Frank said he likes to use the same numbers out of “laziness”. He added, “I felt eventually something would turn up and I’m pleased that it has! The numbers I picked have a sequence. Primarily birthdays, which everyone uses. It’s been quite successful!”

First in line to benefit from Frank’s second big win was his mum Margaret Rose, whose health troubles and a deteriorating eye condition have prevented her from visiting Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard.

The Northern Echo:

Frank wanted to shell out for one last trip down to London before her eyesight got too bad, but Margaret instead asked for a new iPad so she can catch up on all things royal on-screen.

Frank said: “Mum is an avid royalist and enjoys watching the Changing of the Guard.

“I know she wanted to go to London to see it first-hand but became very anxious about travel and the anxiety it would cause her at 84 years old.

“However, she’s nothing if not resourceful and after a great deal of thought, she chose the iPad so she could watch in full HD on a bigger screen.

“She absolutely loves it. Being housebound is quite depressing for her and she misses my Dad, we all do, but now she’s really perked up.

“They say charity begins at home and in this case, The Health Lottery win has allowed me to treat Mum first-hand – a real privilege for me.”

Frank and Ann have been through the mill themselves after she was struck down with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma back in 2010, and a granddaughter was also diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of four.

Frank added: “Ann had two young children to care for and was worried she wouldn’t get to see them grow up. Her chemotherapy started on her 50th birthday in Wansbeck Hospital Oncology Dept. The treatment was severe and made her feel really quite ill.

“Thankfully, Ann is now clear of cancer and she has six-monthly blood checks to monitor her condition. It’s a joy for her to see her children grow into fine young adults.

“Illness in anyone’s family is often a very traumatic event, and cancer always takes a massive toll. It doesn’t matter who you are, or how old you are. You need lots of coping strategies, but more than that you need lots of people there to support you.

“What surprised me was the amount of support on offer from charities like Clic Sargent and Marie Curie. It was wonderful to have them take over the stress and the strains of trying to get through another day. They came through for us, so I’d like to give them something as well from my lottery win. They are worth their weight in gold.

“Unfortunately, Ann, who’s also in education, had to reduce her working hours, but this win has allowed us both to regain a little more independence as we near a well-earned retirement.

“I think we would like to put our feet up and enjoy a nice cup of tea in the garden – Ann’s idea of heaven. She’s even started doing The Health Lottery too – just in case!

He added: “It’s been incredible to win twice. Could we win a third time? Well, I won’t stop playing so we’ll have to wait and see!”

The kind-hearted pair are also members of The Empire School of Boxing – a local gym aimed at helping youngsters keep on the straight and narrow as well as individuals suffering from chronic illness or cognitive needs support.

Frank said: “The guys who run it, Les Welsh and David Bullock have both had their fair share of health problems but have nevertheless managed to secure funding.

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“They not only train champions but also personally help those in need regardless of when, where or what. It’s not unusual for them to open the club in the middle of the night to allow ex-servicemen suffering from PTSD to punch their anxieties out while having a cuppa with an understanding therapist and coach.

“They help people get their mobility back after cancer treatment or chronic illness. They are on a crusade to help our local community to regain its health and well-being and are instrumental in reducing crime by engaging in support for disengaged youngsters.

“Both the guys often quote the fact that this generation are the first to NOT survive their parents due to the effects of poor lifestyle – a worthy cause if ever there was one. Both Ann and I are happy to support Empire Boxing School with a donation that would never have been possible without our Health Lottery win.

"Organisations such as this do so much for the community and we should all pass good fortune on if we can.”