For a man who won more than £3.5m on the lottery two months ago, Bob Bradley's bank balance is looking decidedly modest.

For the 83-year-old great grandfather, as well as giving a huge amount to children's charities, has blown his fortune helping to make the dreams of his family and friends come true.

The generous war hero has rejected flash cars, expensive holidays and a move to a luxury mansion in favour of splashing out his jackpot on others.

He said: 'I haven't kept any money myself. I can just give my family all they ever wanted. That is all I want – I have had my life more or less, so this win is for their benefit.'

Mr Bradley has bought a £70,000 Mercedes ML car for son Barry, 58 – but is happy to get lifts when he wants to go out.

He is leaving his modest council semi but only to move in with his grandson after buying him a £500,000 five-bedroom home.

The pensioner has also invested a big chunk of cash in an expansion of the hair salon which his grandson Chris Bradley, 35, runs with his wife Geraldine, 36.

He has given his 16-year-old great-grandson a £25,000 motorhome to transport his motocross bikes to races. His 14-year-old great grandaughter wanted only an £8.50 pet rabbit out of his winnings.

Mr Bradley, who took part in the D-Day landings, said: 'I want nothing for myself but everything for my family. I want to make sure their dreams come true This win means my family will never have to worry about money – I'll set them all up with what they want and just enjoy doing that.'

The retired factory worker said the joy of winning the money comes from watching his family enjoy themselves. 'I already feel like I had won the jackpot before it happened,' he said. 'I had good health and a wonderful family. No amount of money can buy that.'

The only holiday he is planning is to take all the family to Spain this summer. Mr Bradley of Llanelli, West Wales, who won £3,570,000 in March, has also donated a huge proportion of his lottery win to children's charities worldwide.

The widower, whose wife died two years ago, will not confirm which charities benefited but Oxfam and Save the Children are understood to have received donations.

Gwenllian Griffiths, of Oxfam Cymru, said: 'We are always grateful for large one-off donors such as pools or lottery winners. Their donations can make a huge difference to the plight of youngsters all over the world. Even an amount such as £100 can feed starving children in East Africa for a month.'

A spokesman for the Save the Children Fund said: 'We are always pleased to accept any donations including from people who have had big windfalls.'

Daughter-in-law Geraldine said: 'He has given generously to make sure the family is set up for life and the rest of the money has gone to charities. He's got a big heart and we all love him dearly. He is such a lovely and generous man and was determined to look after his charities.'