National Lottery winner admits she got a job stacking shelves after £2.7million jackpot win

When the couple returned to the north east following their six-year getaway, Thompson said that she continued to work, taking up a job at M&S because she "loved the social aspect and routine".

"I know it’s the last thing people expect a lottery winner to be doing – especially as I had to get up at 2am," the 68-year-old told The Mirror.

Elaine Thompson, 68, cashed in her cheque almost 30 years ago (Stock)

PA/GETTY

Thompson admitted that, although there were "no extravagant shopping sprees", she felt "so much joy" supporting the families who had been impacted by cancer.

In Dorset, the couple also bought a restaurant that they ran for a "wonderful" six years, while they remained "grounded and focused on giving back".

Once Thompson’s brother died, they made their return to the north east as the atmosphere reminded her of him.

She said: "Now, I’m retired, but I’m painting the house from top to bottom. Derek is still working, but we’ll travel across Europe when he’s retired."

Elaine Thompson took on a job at M&S even though she won almost £3million because she enjoyed the "social aspect and routine" (Stock)

PA

"Our great passion has been horse racing, although we’ve also enjoyed a few trips to Las Vegas."

She revealed that the pair had a box next to Queen Elizabeth II - but she preferred to “be among the bookies down on the course”.

However, Thompson mostly spoke about how she had hoped to help others, explaining: "I’ve particularly enjoyed the volunteer work I’ve done with the National Lottery, lending a hand with various charities.

"Looking back, the win changed our lives for the better in so many ways. It’s provided security and opportunities we never would have had otherwise and my children became the first members of our family to go to university.

"I feel incredibly grateful for that every single day."