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Millionaire lottery winner goes back to job at McDonald's... because he misses his workmates
Last updated at 15:37pm on 25.03.08It's not the natural habitat of the millionaire.
But if you visit a particular McDonald's store in Cardiff, you've every chance of being served by one.
Luke Pittard, 25, won £1.3million on the National Lottery 18 months ago.
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Despite winning more than £1m on the lottery Luke Pittard decided to go back to work at McDonalds
He celebrated in the usual way, buying a new home and splashing out on a lavish wedding and holiday in the Canary Islands.
Then he realised that he really missed his job.
So he asked to go back and couldn't be happier, getting up at the crack of dawn to flip burgers for £5.85 an hour.
"They all think I'm a bit mad but I tell them there's more to life than money," he said.
"I loved working at McDonald's before I became a millionaire and I'm really enjoying being back there again."
Few customers at the restaurant in Pontprennau, Cardiff, realise that a millionaire is frying their fries or taking their money behind the counter.
Mr Pittard and his girlfriend Emma Cox, 29, were working there together when he hit the jackpot.
They hung up their uniforms and settled down to domestic-bliss in a £230,000 home with their three-year-old daughter Chloe.
But 18 months later, the novelty of early retirement wore off.
"Lots of my old McDonald's workmates came to our wedding and I had kept in touch with them all the time, so I just thought: 'Why not go back?'" said Mr Pittard.
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Luke with his wife Emma and their cheque for over £1.3 million
Lucky winners: Luke and Emma splashed out on a lavish wedding with their winnings
"To be honest, there's only so much relaxing you can do.
"I'm only young and a bit of hard work never did anyone any harm."
The couple earn more each week in interest on their win than Mr Pittard brings home from McDonald's.
But his wife supports his decision to return to work as a staff trainer.
"I can totally understand it," she said.
"We both really enjoyed working at McDonald's and still have good friends there.
"So it was really familiar for him and something for him to look forward to."
McDonald's manager Katherine Jones said: "Luke was always a great member of our team and when he won the lottery we were all so pleased for him.
"I'm glad he has had the time to enjoy his winnings but love having him here - it's as if he never went away."
Reader views (8)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
My son is a student at UWIC he would be most appreciative of the job that this chap is taking up. He has won enough money to do what he likes without the hardwork of getting any qualifications to earn a living. Let someone have the job and you and your wife start up a small business or something.
- Mel Richards, South Wales
this is in reply to James. Maybe he has changed his life...buying a house for his child to grow up in, at least he can rely on some money security, I persoanlly think hes donea good mood...since hes already bought up a house and what not, that amount of money can be spent instantly in todays world. So he is using his brain more then anything. Most people would spend away and then realise they only have a few thousand left, then are forced to carry on with their normal lives, hes keeping the money well...brewing up something for the future to come, not everyone has the same frame of mind.
- Steven Smith, Manchester
I think it goes to show how much people actually like work. Not the mind numbing tasks, but the interactions with other people.... Good on you. Invest the money and retire early enough to enjoy the autumn of your life without worry. Till then enjoy what you do, you'll live longer
- Phil. H, Warrington
good for you
- Sophie, london
Its ridiculous! whats the point in playing the lottery if you don't want to change your life, things like this make me fuming, what a waste of a good winner.
- C. James, dorset
It is a good think that he went back to work, if he stayed at home doing nothing, he would of spent his money more quickly be cause of boredom, and it helps to keep his feet on the ground and still mix in with the working class. He has his head firmly on his shoulders.
- Phillip Bulejko, Avon Bristol
Now you can call Luke a McNut.
- Larry Castro, Redwood City.California,U.S.A.
Good on him, although with the added publicity he's now likely to suffer abuse from the types who frequent MacDonalds as part of their healthy lifestyle.
- A Spod, Heathrow
