Lottery multimillionaire wants health not money

LONDON (Reuters) - Retired hospital porter Steve Smith, who is suffering from a potentially fatal heart defect, won almost 19 million pounds on the National Lottery -- but said he would give it all up in return for good health.

"I have a one in 10 chance of living. It's like a ticking time bomb," said Smith, enjoying a bittersweet glass of celebratory champagne with his wife Ida.

Smith has an aortic aneurysm, a swelling in the main artery taking blood from the heart, which could burst at any time. Surgery to correct it has been judged too risky.

Smith told reporters when collecting his cheque: "It's Ida I worry for, it's leaving her behind. I would give all that back if I am allowed to still be with her because there are no shops in the cemetery are there?"

Smith landed last weekend's triple rollover prize with an extra stroke of luck -- he only remembered at the last minute to buy a ticket. One of them hit the jackpot.