Baby joy for Lottery winner (From Witney Gazette)

Baby joy for Lottery winner

3:08pm Friday 16th February 2007 in Witney

CHARMAINE Collins became an overnight millionaire when she won the Lottery - but that joy was nothing compared to the birth of her second child.

Miss Collins, from Eynsham, won £2.3m in August 2005 when her numbers came up, but the arrival of baby Georgia Louise has given her more reasons to celebrate.

The 26-year-old said: "It is difficult to describe the feeling, but I'm more happy than I ever thought I could be.

"Winning the Lottery is great, but becoming a mum is something very special."

Georgia Louise weighed in at 6lbs when she was born on Boxing Day, and Miss Collins and partner Robbie Watson - only now publicly speaking about the birth - said they are thrilled.

Miss Collins, who has a son Ryan, almost three-years-old, with a previous partner, added: "The value of family love far outweighs a bank balance "She is so beautiful, and Ryan is a fantastic boy, so we are very lucky.

"We just want to bring them up in a stable home, with lots of love, and you don't really need money for that.

"However, it is fantastic not to have to worry about bills. It takes a huge weight off my shoulders.

"I was brought up in a loving home, and was really happy as a kid. And want my children to have that.

"I am determined that they will be in a loving environment. The money is a great support.

"It means we can do things in the future. I know they can have a good home life, an education, and a secure future.

"It's what every mother wants for her kids."

Mr Watson, 36, who still works as a carpenter for a local builder, said "We want as normal life as possible. Having Georgia Louise is brilliant. It is a great experience, and the true joy of life."

Miss Collins was living in a rented house as a single mum on benefits, before winning the Wednesday-night Lottery.

"It was perfect timing, because bringing up children is expensive.

"I went without things to provide for Ryan, and I was happy to do that. There's a joy in seeing them grow.

"That makes you stop worrying too much about material things for yourself."

Miss Collins, who moved to a four-bedroom detached home last year, thought her ticket was a loser after checking it against the wrong set of numbers.

She only discovered the win two days later.

Many people would plan for expensive foreign holidays if they won the Lottery, but Miss Collins still has not got round to getting a passport.

"There's so many beautiful places to see, but there's plenty of time to travel later on when the children are old enough to appreciate it," she said.