Shoreham-by-Sea Millionaire Street

A STUNNED mum won a £200,000 cheque then told how her clairvoyant aunt had predicted it - from a coffee cup.

Jo said her Greek-Cypriot Aunt Amalia had read the coffee grounds during breakfast, who then revealed, "There's money in my cup."

Hours later, Jo, of Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, got a call from our team telling her she'd won at least £1,000.

The overwhelmed mum-of-three said, "My aunt reads coffee cups. The morning I got the phone call from the lottery she read a cup at my mum's and said, 'There's money in my cup'.

"She said that even before I got the call. She tapped the cup and said there was money in it.

"I later found out that I had won at least a grand, so I knew there was some money coming in."

She added, "This is beyond life-changing. It is just insane; I can't believe it."

Jo shared £1 million with three other neighbours in Shoreham-by-Sea after BN43 6JD landed today's Millionaire Street prize. Every ticket was worth £200,000, but one player doubled their winnings with two tickets.

The win comes just six months after players just half a mile away in the same town also bagged the Millionaire Street prize.

Twelve neighbours shared £1 million when BN43 6GD won in February. Every ticket was worth £66,666, but three people doubled their prizes to £133,332 as they each played with two tickets.

Jo said her elderly aunt, who is currently visiting the UK from Cyprus, will be happy her prediction has come true for her and her hubby Tony.

The freelance business consultant said, "My aunt is good. I wouldn't let her near my cup when I was a teenager because I didn't want her finding out what I had been up to."

She added, "She'll be so thrilled for us. It's my mum and dad I can't wait to speak to. They've seen how hard we've worked."

Now the bubbly couple are working on exciting plans with their son, and twin son and daughter, which include a big holiday and getting their dream camper van.

Jo said, "We've always wanted a camper van. It is that going away on a whim, being able to have that spontaneity. I'd like a classic VW, but I know it's not a practical choice.

Painter and decorator Tony said, "I'd like to get a Transit and convert it. I'd do it myself."

Jo added, "We could even take the kids to India. We travelled there lots when we were younger. We'll have a think, but we'll definitely be doing a big trip. You've got to see something of the world to give you some perspective.

"We can do all the sensible stuff and do all the crazy stuff as well."

Jo, clearly gobsmacked by the win, leapt around the garden clutching her cheque while Tony wandered about with his hand over his mouth.

Jo said, "I'm super-excited and absolutely stunned. I was not expecting anything like this. I would have been grateful with £1,250, even a grand. I don't know what to say, which is quite unusual for me. Our expectations were so low.

"We are so grateful. There is a bit of light shining now, which is the most phenomenal thing in the world."

On seeing how much the couple had won Tony exclaimed, "You are joking! Oh my God!"

Now he is even considering a career switch. He said, "I've been a decorator for 30 years. My knees are gone, and my back has gone. I'm not a sit-down office person. I can stop and think. Because I'm a carpenter as well, I can do furniture making."

When asked how he was going to celebrate, he laughed, "Very well!"

Jo started playing People's Postcode Lottery in February but hadn't heard that a street just minutes away had won that month.

Jo said, "Why did I join? Why not? I realised it is money that goes to charities as well."

Jo will be delighted to learn that her win means local charities will also benefit from our Millionaire Street prize.

And one organisation, Making It Out, has been awarded £40,000 by Postcode Community Trust.

Founded in 2018, the charity supports individuals moving on from prison, addiction or homelessness through creative activities such as photography, painting, woodwork, jewellery-making and metalwork.

Making It Out equips its service users with skills, motivation and confidence to build a more positive future for themselves.

Mark Whaley, Founder and CEO of Making It Out, said, "We had the idea for Making It Out whilst working in prisons for a number of years. We kept seeing familiar faces and desperately wanted to help those clearly struggling."

The charity currently has nine staff, some of whom are former service users, and has supported more than 600 individuals over the last six years.

Mark added, "The funding will be going towards restoring 'Buncton Barn', a 16th-century heritage threshing barn.

"Our service users will need to fully strip the barn down to its frame before creating new wooden beams to support the structure of the barn.

"After this restoration, it will be further improved by service users for our charity programmes and benefit of the wider community."

Other local organisations who have been awarded funding include:

• Time to Talk Befriending - £60,000 Providing support services for older people and focusing on activities that bring people together to help with social isolation and loneliness.

• Soundcastle - £30,000 A music-making charity aiding vulnerable communities through a variety of programmes.

• Esteem - £30,000 Working with young adults through group activities and one-to-one support to promote lasting self-esteem and stronger communities.

All funding was awarded by Postcode Community Trust.

Deserving Projects

Today's prize is part of a draw promoted on behalf of Postcode Community Trust. Supported by our players, this trust supports smaller charities and good causes in Wales to make a difference to their community for the benefit of people and planet.

Lucky winners aren't the only ones who benefit from People's Postcode Lottery. With 33% of the ticket price going to charities and good causes, our amazing players have raised more than £1.3 billion for thousands of deserving causes to date.

With fabulous Prizes announced every single day, it's a great time to become a People's Postcode Lottery player. Take a look at How It Works and, if you're feeling lucky, sign up to play.