Shoreham mum-of-three wins £200k in People's Postcode Lottery

Jo Deighton from Shoreham won the prize after her Greek-Cypriot aunt Amalia predicted there was “money in her cup” when reading Jo’s coffee grounds at breakfast.

A total of £1 million was shared with three of Jo’s neighbours after postcode BN43 6JD won the weekly Millionaire Street prize today, August 24.

Jo, 47, said: “This is beyond life-changing. It is just insane. I can’t believe it.

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

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

Jo’s husband, Tony, is now considering a career change after winning the colossal amount.

Tony, 52, 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.

Jo was shocked at the 'life-changing' amount of money she won (Image: People's Postcode Lottery)

“I can stop and think, because I’m a carpenter as well. I can do furniture making.”

When the pair were informed of their win, Jo leapt around the garden clutching the cheque while Tony had his hand over his mouth in shock.

Jo and Tony already have big plans for the money, with a dream to travel far with their 19-year-old son and 16-year-old twins.

Jo and Tony celebrate (Image: People's Postcode Lottery)

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.

“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 has big plans for the winnings (Image: People's Postcode Lottery)

Jo started playing the People’s Postcode Lottery in February, when, unbeknownst to her, players half a mile away in Shoreham won a total of £1 million split between 12.

Local charities have also benefited from Jo’s win, with Brighton charity Making It Out, which has supported 600 people moving on from prison, addiction or homelessness, receiving £40,000 in funding.

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.

Making It Out team celebrates funding (Image: People's Postcode Lottery)

“The funding will be going towards restoring Buncton Barn – a 17th-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 for the benefit of the wider community.”