A Sussex town has won the biggest ever postcode lottery prize of £16.9 million.
More than 700 residents in Goring have been announced as winners of the People’s Postcode Lottery, including 12 people winning £379.062 for every ticket they had.
Around one in ten Goring residents have won a prize.
Nicki Wiltshire, 53, who won more than £379,000, was in disbelief when Jason Donovan surprised her on her doorstep.
She said: “My heart is pounding. I just can’t put into words what this means. It means the world.
“I’ve had such a rubbish year. My partner Joe lost his job so things have been tough. I can help so many people now.
“I can go on my dream holiday to South Africa. I cannot wait. I’m so happy I need a wee.”
Wendy Vanderhoven, 59, was joined by husband Mark when she was told of her six figure prize.
She said: “Never in a million years did I think Jason Donovan would be knocking at my door with a huge cheque. It’s a lovely Christmas present.”
Wendy is now planning to celebrate her 60th birthday next year in style, she said: “I’d love to go on a cruise to Turkey, Greece and the Mediterranean.”
Keen caravaners Wendy and Mark said the six-figure win will mean they can travel more.
Mark said: “We can upgrade the caravan for a motorhome and help our son out with a deposit for a house. Playing has definitely paid off.”
Other people getting cheques for £379,062 include disability healthcare worker Sally Wells, 48, grandad-of-four Ian Branch, 55, and retired Keith Coomber, 78.
Prize amounts for the other people across the winning postcode area ranged from £14,816 to £44,448 depending on the number of tickets people had.
Lily Poland, 75, was joined by her daughter Michelle when she found out she’d won.
Lily, who is originally from West Calder – a village in Scotland, said: “Oh my God, I’m in shock.
“I came down here when I was 19 for an adventure. I ended up staying when I fell in love with Peter, my husband. We’ve been at this postcode for over 40 years and brought our family up here – it’s been a good postcode with lots of memories.”
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Jason Donovan said: “It was fantastic surprising so many lucky winners by arriving on their doorstep and presenting them with a golden envelope and a huge cheque.
“The atmosphere was electric and I loved hearing everyone’s plans for their winnings.
“Christmas has definitely come early to Goring.”
The postcode lottery costs £10 a month to play and your postcode is automatically entered into all draws.
A minimum of 33 per cent goes to charity.
Home Start Arun, Worthing and Adur is one charity that players have helped to support. Earlier this year it received £17,830 to provide practical and emotional support to families with young children, helping give them the best possible start in life.
This is the full list of prize amounts:
- 1 x £758,124 (Full winning postcode BN12 4TR – 2 tickets)
- 11 x £379,062 (Full winning postcode BN12 4TR – 1 ticket)
- 16 x £44,448 (3 tickets)
- 70 x £29,632 (2 tickets)
- 620 x £14,816 (1 ticket)
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