Home Run For Nottingham

A grandmother named a COVID-19 hero by her local community is one of 970 People's Postcode Lottery players in Nottingham's NG16 5 postcode sector winning a share of £3.1 Million in August's Postcode Millions draw.

Local Community Hero

Kath, who was named a 'local community hero' for sewing scrubs for NHS staff and doing shopping for the vulnerable, won £140,909. When her cheque was revealed, Kath celebrated by giving her partner of over 20 years, Alan, a big hug and a kiss. She exclaimed, "I cannot believe this, I cannot believe this money! I've been at this postcode for 53 years - good things come to those who wait!"

Kath and six of her neighbours each pocketed a cheque for £140,909 when NG16 5NL was revealed as the full winning postcode on Facebook. But the good news kept on coming for two of the lucky seven Queen Street winners, who both play with more than one ticket. Thanks to playing with two tickets, one winner doubled their prize to £281,818, while a four-ticket holder saw their winnings quadrupled to a staggering £563,636.

Kath, a retired factory machinist, started sewing scrubs and masks for NHS and care home staff after seeing a request on Facebook. She said, "I knew the NHS needed help so I just did what I could. I made hundreds, they went to local hospitals, doctors' surgeries and care homes.

"It was hard work but it didn't matter - I knew it was all going to a good cause."

Community-minded Kath also plans to spend a portion of her prize by buying a defibrillator for her local Post Office. She said, "We had a defibrillator that was vandalised and we've been raising money to have it replaced but we need more than one, so I'm going to get one for the Post Office."

With four grandchildren, Kath's biggest plans for her prize involve treating them. She said, "I've just called them on FaceTime and given £100,000 away already! We don't necessarily want much for ourselves and Alan has Parkinson's so we won't be going on a big holiday, instead we'll do what we can to help others." Kath went on to joke, "If Alan's lucky he might get the £9 that's left over!"

Once In A Lifetime

Also winning big was Kath's next-door neighbour of 26 years, Wayne. Wayne was in disbelief when he was contacted by our Lottery team, but once he realised it was the real deal, he said he was "shaking like a leaf and crying" at the prospect of winning.

He was joined by his wife of 32 years, Tracey, when he discovered his prize amount and was speechless for a few moments before he said, "That's brill. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing!"

Tracey, who has lived on the winning street all her life, was teary eyed when she saw the sum. She said, "Oh my God, wow. It doesn't seem real. It seems like a dream. I'm going to have to pinch myself to wake myself up. You don't think people like us will win it - we're not posh, we're down to earth! It's a dream, it's everything."

With three children and four grandchildren, Tracey felt that the whole family had won. She said, "We're all going to benefit from this. We'll look after them all."

The pair also have a few plans to treat themselves too. Tracey, who was made redundant last year but now works as a production operative at a pudding factory, added, "We can get the house done up properly now, which we've never been able to do. It's my 55th birthday next year, too. I'll be flying out to Gran Canaria now!"

Asked how they'd be celebrating, Wayne replied, "Babysitting! But we'll get a takeaway and have a bottle too."

Wayne and Tracey were delighted to have won alongside next-door neighbours Kath and Alan. Tracey said, "Kath would be sewing for hours and hours, you could hear her machine going and then there were scrubs hanging all along the washing line drying. She sewed a little tag with a 'love you' inside every set of scrubs too.

"When Kath won the award, she said she didn't think she deserved it because she just did her little bit. You couldn't ask for better neighbours."

Dreams Come True

Another big winner on the street was Chris who also took home £140,909. After catching a glimpse of his prize cheque, he said, "Wow! Thank you very much. I'm sure the kids will help me spend that."

Chris, who works as a wood machinist for a furniture company has always had a dream car in mind. He said, "I'll probably buy an old car, Mk2 Ford Escort if I can get a hold of one. I've always wanted one, I've even got a little picture of it in my shed. You've made my dreams come true."

The grandad-of-six joined after his partner's sister won with the lottery. He said, "She came down and told us about her win and I joined that day." Chris laughed and added, "I signed up to the lottery so I could retire early."

He plans to share some of his windfall with his three children and six grandchildren but needs to have a think about how to spend the rest of the winnings. He said, "My kids have probably already devised plans to spend it all for me already!" 

The remaining 963 residents in the sector received different cheque amounts depending on the number of tickets they played with. Those with one ticket won £1,465, those with two tickets won £2,930, those with three tickets won £4,395, and those with four tickets won £5,860.

People's Postcode Lottery Presenter Danyl Johnson congratulated our winners and said, "It was an absolute pleasure to deliver some good news to Kath, Wayne, Chris and their families today. I've loved hearing their plans for their winnings and I'm sure there will be lots of celebrations going on in NG16 5 this bank holiday weekend!"

Charities Win Too

This month's Postcode Millions prize is part of a draw promoted by Postcode Support Trust, which supports organisations including Crisis, Missing People and Re-engage with regular grant funding. They support people to live happy and more fulfilled lives.

Lots of local charities have benefited from funding raised by players including Improving Lives Notts. Last year it was awarded £14,848 to support adults with complex health and social needs in Nottingham.

With People's Postcode Lottery, 33% of the ticket price goes to amazing charities and good causes around the world. Our players have raised more than £750 Million so far!

Not signed up to play yet? Our players can win fantastic Prizes every single day. If you'd like to know more then check out How It Works and sign up today.