“I’m very lucky to be alive after being hit hard by a double-decker bus in Belfast city center,” says lottery winner
A LOTTO winner has told how he was very lucky to be alive after being hit “full force” by a double-decker bus last week.
Peter Lavery, who won a £10.2 million jackpot in 1996, was crossing the street in Donegall Square West in Belfast city center when the accident occurred at 9am last Monday.
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The former bus driver was taken to hospital along with another person – the area was cordoned off for a technical examination.
And speaking at his home in Down, the multi-millionaire said he had suffered a head injury but was recovering well.
Peter, who was traveling to the Europa Hotel for a business meeting, told the Sunday world: “I know I’ve been very lucky, but it’s not the first time I’ve been lucky.
“I’m OK. I lost some blood in the accident and was obviously shocked, but other than a little soreness I’m doing better. I know I’m very lucky.
“I have 16 stitches on the back of my head and will have them removed on Monday. I hope I can get back to work once this is done.”
Peter also recalled the terrifying moment he was hit by the bus, saying he was almost across the street.
He added: “The bus hit me with full force. I was three quarters of the way across the street and when I saw him coming I just knew he was hitting me, I just knew.”
Peter’s lottery ticket won him £10.2 million (€11.8 million) when he was just 34 years old.
After spending time in St. Lucia in the Caribbean before returning home, Peter set out on a mission to give back.
He brought 20 children and their riot-affected parents to Disney World Florida.
He founded the Rita Charles Trust in memory of his parents, who died when he was in his mid-40s.
Peter recently appeared on a BBC program documenting his efforts to reintroduce whiskey distilling to Belfast.
He spoke about the “reality” of his victory and how his new lifestyle almost killed him.
A cocktail of drinking and partying took a toll on his health.
He said: “I had to stop drinking on the orders of the doctors, otherwise I wouldn’t be here today.”
Peter said that he was the lucky one among 33 million players.
He said: “The night I won my fortune, 33 million people played the lottery and I got the right six numbers, which is incredible.”
“It certainly changed my life and a lot of other people’s lives too.”