A lucky Scots community are celebrating after winning a combined jackpot of £3.2 million on the People's Postcode Lottery. More than 100 neighbours in Seaton, Aberdeen, shared the combined prize pot.
Two elderly neighbours were the biggest winners as they had the full winning postcode of AB24 1, netting them £733,648 and £366,824 respectively. One of those to land a six-figure prize was Alexander Hardingham, 83, says he was left stunned by the news and says it feels like he is in a 'fairy tale.'
He said: “I can’t believe it, I thought I was just getting £5,000, as £5,000 would still be a lot to me, but this feels like a fairy tale, just like the movies. Believe you me. This has been a day and a half to me that I still can’t believe.”
The pensioner says he isn't sure how he wants to spend the money but added that he wanted to treat himself to a new guitar as he enjoys playing country music. He added: “I just like to sing to myself, it’s my hobby.”
Tilly Adams, 70, also netted a six-figure windfall with the full winning postcode, netting £366,824. The great-grandmother joked that she would spend the winnings quickly.
She said: “The money is going to go into my bank account soon, but it will go out quicker!”
Tilly says she plans on treating her family with the cash. “I’ve got a son and a daughter, two grandkids and two great grandkids. We’re just a family that helps each other.”
She then joked: “They’ll have it all spent!”
Tilly said she was happy that so many people in the community had won a prize and she was pleased that her neighbour, Alexander, had won. She said: “He’s my next-door neighbour so I’m very glad that he’s won because he deserves it.”
An additional 123 neighbours also celebrated a win. Each taking home between £13,996 and £83,976 depending on the number of tickets played with.
Karen Noble, 56, and Gordon Massie, 64, a couple of 23 years, both played with two tickets and netted a combined £55,844.
They said they would use their winnings for a trip to celebrate. When asked what they would use the cash for Gordon said: “A holiday. Cape Verde. It’s just beautiful. Or we might try the Caribbean.”
Gordon said the couple’s first plans would be for their family though: “Our kids and grandkids will be the priority. One is wanting a bike, we said he might get it for Christmas, but he definitely will now.”
The couple said they were pleased to see lots of familiar faces amongst the winners with Gordon adding that the win will be big for the neighbourhood: “It’s tremendous. It’s a great community and a great community spirit.”
Deborah Menzies, 45, won £13,996 and said she still couldn’t believe it: “It’s amazing. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.” Deborah said the winnings would mean she could get a long-awaited holiday: “Me and my partner will definitely go on holiday. Somewhere sunny and expensive!”
Asked about her plans to celebrate. She said: “I’ll buy a bottle of champagne. That will be on the shopping list today. I’m actually going out with friends tonight so we will be celebrating!”
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson hosted the event and handed out cheques to the excited winners. He said: “It has been such a special day here in Aberdeen and I have had a lovely time meeting our winners and giving them this great news.
“A massive congratulations to all the winners again and I hope they enjoy treating themselves and their loved ones with the cash.”
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