A Kent County man has his father to thank for a $25,000 a year for life Lucky for Life prize from the Michigan Lottery.

“I buy tickets and a lot of times I will forget to check them right away,” said Bhavik Patel. “My dad was in town visiting recently and saw a pile of tickets on my desk, so he started checking them. If he hadn’t done that, who knows when, or if, I would have found out that I had won.”

Patel, of Kentwood, matched the five white balls drawn April 23 – 07-12-20-27-48 – to win the big prize. He bought his winning ticket at the Speedway gas station, located at 16819 Marsh Road in Haslett.

“I bought the ticket when I was visiting my sister, who lives in Lansing,” said Patel. “I never thought about it again until my dad came to me with a shocked look on his face to tell me I won.”

The 29-year-old Patel visited Lottery headquarters Friday to claim the big prize. He chose to receive his prize as an annuity. He will receive annual payments of $25,000 for life or 20 years, whichever is greater. With his winnings, he plans to pay bills and then save the remainder for now.

“Knowing I can count on this for the rest of my life gives me such a sense of security,” Patel said.

For just $2 per play, Lucky For Life gives Lottery players a chance to win prizes ranging from $3 to a lifetime of cash. To win the game’s top prize of $1,000 a day for life, players must match all five winning numbers ranging from 1 to 48, plus one Lucky Ball ranging from 1 to 18. Players who match all five winning numbers, but not the Lucky Ball, will win $25,000 a year for life. Lucky For Life drawings take place every Monday and Thursday at 10:35 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at Lottery retailers across the state.