A RETIRED golf course worker battling cancer is celebrating after scooping more than £18,000.

Father-of-two Robin Smith, from Hailsham, signed up to the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance lottery when a canvasser called at his home three years ago.

The 69-year-old thought nothing more of his £8 a month subscription until he received a call from lottery manager James Cook telling him he had won the top prize.

Mr Smith won a grand total of £18,270 with lucky numbers 2, 10, 21 and 30 and is now planning to spend his winnings on a new conservatory at his Old Orchard Place home.

He said: “When James called to say I’d won, I laughed and it was quite difficult to take in.

“Even when he said it wasn’t a joke I went on to the air ambulance website to check the lottery results.

“My wife and I were thinking of a 101 things we could spend the money on but I still didn’t believe I’d won until the cheque arrived the next day.

“I’m in the middle of cancer treatment so this is a real boost. I’ve had a big operation on my liver and I’m waiting for another one on my bowel next month.

“I’ve been given an eight-week recovery period so the way I look at it is that I’ve got eight weeks to think about how I can spend the money.

“My bowel cancer was picked up by a free screening so I would urge everyone to take up this offer. It’s something men can be very blasé about but it can save your life.”

Mr Smith is the second superdraw winner from East Sussex so far this year after Eastbourne District General Hospital neurophysiotherapist Debbie Soave won the maximum £25,000 jackpot in February.

Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance’s Regular Lottery costs £1 per week and there are 12 winners drawn each week with prizes ranging from £25 to £1,000.

For an extra £1 a week, players can join the superdraw which has a maximum jackpot of £25,000.

To join the lottery go to kssairambulance.org.uk/lottery or call 01622 833833.