A former lorry driver from Pembroke Dock who has driven thousands of miles on the open road will now be travelling in luxury after winning a brand new Land Rover Defender worth £53,000, thanks to dream car competition BOTB.
Driver Martin Cross, has visited nearly every inch of the British Isles during his 38 year career behind the wheel in the cab of a lorry - but now he can enjoy his retirement travelling in complete opulence.
“I was on cloud nine when I was surprised with the car,” said Martin.
“The new Defender is a lovely looking car. I’ve always wanted a Land Rover, ever since I drove something similar down the road for a friend who was a mechanic. I felt like a million dollars in that motor and have wanted one ever since.”
Martin was surprised with his new car by Christian Williams and the BOTB team close to his house.
“I’m not sure it’s really sunk in yet,” he said. “I have been watching the videos of other winners and just never thought it would happen to me.”
Martin and his wife Wendy are an adventurous couple and enjoy going on walks in locations all over the country with their two rescue Rottweilers Rogue and Storm.
“We aren’t the stay at home type of people, and to have this car will mean we can really enjoy our retirement, travelling in style,” he said.
The couple will trade in their Nissan X-Trail for the Defender, which has only just been released in the UK.
On top of this, thanks to the £20,000 cash win, the couple can now take their dream trip to America for a driving holiday.
“I’ll give a bit of the money to my three children and grandchildren, but we may well be able to take that trip now. I can imagine taking in Route 66 in something like an open top chevrolet. That would be something special,” added Martin.
Since being founded in 1999 by William Hindmarch, BOTB has given away over £29m worth of prizes.