There’s something rather lovely about being able to make someone’s day, especially when that day involves winning €120,000 and clearing the mortgage.
That’s exactly what happened to María de los Ángeles Govante, an ONCE lottery seller in Güímar, after a customer asked her to choose a scratch card for him.
He had popped by to buy his usual Daily Coupon and decided to try his luck with a few scratch cards. He asked for five euros’ worth, so Ángeles picked out one of her favourites, Las mil y una noches, along with another one-euro ticket.
Just ten minutes later, he was back at her booth, visibly shaking with excitement.
“He asked me to check whether he had won,” she recalled. “The machine confirmed he needed to go to an authorised centre for the major prize. At that point, I started trembling too.”
The winning ticket was worth €120,000.
The customer, who lives in La Laguna, bought it on Monday 26 October, just as he was starting a new job in Güímar. The timing could hardly have been better. He has since been able to pay off his mortgage.
According to Ángeles, he didn’t quite believe the news until he saw the amount confirmed at the bank. Then the excitement really kicked in.
And while she might have picked the winning ticket, she was happy to let someone else enjoy the money.
“I feel like hugging him whenever he comes in,” she said. “I don’t want to make too much of a fuss in case he prefers to keep it private, but I’m delighted to have helped someone who really needed it.”
A new chapter in Güímar
Ángeles originally comes from Seville but has lived in Güímar for 39 years.
Before becoming a lottery seller, she worked as a flight attendant. Health problems eventually forced her to retire, and she has also faced some difficult personal challenges, including breast cancer.
After a few twists and turns, she found her way back into work selling lottery tickets. It’s a job that has brought her into contact with plenty of local residents, and she’s quickly become a familiar face.
The €120,000 win has certainly helped raise her profile. There’s now a sign at her booth advertising the prize, and plenty of people have been stopping by to try their own luck.
Many, she says, have their own reasons for hoping for a win. Paying off a mortgage or getting on top of everyday expenses would make a huge difference.
There have also been other substantial lottery wins in the area recently, including prizes sold by one of her colleagues.
Ángeles is hoping this is just the beginning.
She admits she’s still trying to take it all in, but there’s no doubt she’s enjoying being part of someone else’s good fortune.
“I wish I could bring joy to every customer who passes by here.”
Not a bad ambition for a lottery seller.