Bumper Win In Bedlington

It's a bonanza of a Sunday for two Bedlington neighbours after they each bagged a £30,000 cheque thanks to playing People's Postcode Lottery. The surprise came after their Northumberland postcode, NE22 6NL, was drawn as a winner of today's Street Prize.

An Unforgettable Day

Winner Darren was left stunned after Street Prize Presenter Judie McCourt revealed his cheque at our Head Office in Edinburgh. When the dad-of-two caught a glimpse of the amount, he gasped and exclaimed, "Wow! I wasn't expecting that. That feels fantastic - I've never won anything before." 

His wife Judith was with Darren to receive the prize and they both agreed, "It's a day we'll never forget - we'll never forget in a million years."

The couple are now planning a holiday with their children. Judith said, "We might take them away for a nice family break, maybe to the Lake District, because it is one of our favourite places." Darren added, "It would also be nice to get a bit of sunshine and we can do it now - without worrying. We've not been abroad for years, so maybe a trip to Paris as we've always said we'd go back."

Judith, who has worked as an NHS nurse for over 33 years, admitted the pandemic had been an especially difficult time. She said, "The last few years have been really tough, and with both our kids also working in the NHS, it's been tough for us all. So, this is just incredible news."

Darren, a self-employed kitchen and bathroom fitter, said, "We came to Edinburgh to see Dick and Angel Strawbridge from 'Escape to the Chateau', as they are currently on tour. Then the Postcode Lottery called and said I'd won something and that they were based in the city."

Judith added, "The irony is we shouldn't even be in Edinburgh, we were originally going to book the show for London, so it's a bit of a fluke that we're here." Darren laughed and said, "It's meant to be, it's more than perfect. I could do this every week."

When asked if Darren might buy something for himself, he said, "No, it'll just be nice to treat the kids, something to make them smile." Judith joked, "Once they see how much it is, they'll be like, 'Bank of Mum and Dad, what are you giving us?'"

The couple already knew how they'd celebrate their big win. Darren said, "As soon as we get back to the hotel, I'm having a gin and tonic, that's for sure. We've then got a restaurant booked before the show." Judith laughed and said, "And maybe a whisky bar after that."

Judie McCourt shared her congratulations with today's winners. She said, "I'm absolutely over the moon for our lucky winners in Bedlington! I hope they enjoy spending their winnings and celebrating today.

"As we usually knock on our winners' front doors it was a lovely change of pace to be able to surprise £30,000 winner Darren and his wife Judith at our office in Edinburgh. It was a first for us and you could tell that it was a really special moment for the couple."

Deserving Projects

Today's prize is part of a draw promoted on behalf of Postcode Planet Trust. Through regular grant funding, this trust supports organisations like WWF-UK, African Parks and The Wildlife Trusts, working to protect and promote our environment and wildlife.

Our players are raising funds for charities and good causes across Britain and around the world. To date, People's Postcode Lottery players have raised more than £850 Million for over 9,000 deserving projects and organisations.

Not playing yet? Do you know about all the amazing Prizes our players can win? Learn about how People's Postcode Lottery works - it's really easy. Sign up to play today and help us help even more good causes.