Oswestry neighbours scoop thousands in Postcode Lottery

The neighbours in Whitefriars landed the staggering sum when their lucky postcode, SY11 2LP, was announced as a street prize winner with the lottery on Sunday.

John Jones, 82, a former Oswestry mayor was joined by wife Tegwen when he received a knock on his door from the People’s Postcode Lottery team.

Upon pulling his cheque out the golden envelope, he said: “I’m overwhelmed – it’s not often I’m stuck for words but I certainly was when I saw the figure written on the cheque. I think I’ll treat myself and Tegwen to a holiday and I’ll help out my son, Paul, too.

“This is such a fantastic organisation that spreads so much happiness and benefits so many people. It’s nice that charities win, so there’s winners all round."

Next door neighbour Brenda Smith, 85, also scooped up the prize.

Shock

She said: “Goodness gracious I never win anything so I’m in absolute shock. This is beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve got two daughters and grandchildren, so I shall be treating them. It’s so wonderful to win alongside John who I know very well and it’s so nice to know that so much also goes towards supporting good causes.”

The other winners couldn’t collect their prize in person, but the money will be paid into their bank account.

With a minimum of 32 per cent from every ticket going to charity, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have now raised £350 million for over 4,000 good causes across Great Britain and internationally.

Ambassador Judie McCourt presented the winners with their prizes and said: “There’s nothing lovelier and more heart-warming than seeing two next door neighbours being happy for each other as they share the joy of winning the lottery together.

"I couldn’t be happier for John, Brenda and our third Oswestry player and I’m sure they’ll enjoy splashing out with their windfall.”

Oswestry Community Action Qube is one of many charities close by to the winners that players have helped to support. Last year the group was awarded £16,081 to run a musical befriending project to reduce the social isolation experienced by housebound older people in the area.