Five-figured cheques were presented to five lucky neighbours in Ellon after they scooped a share of an incredible £150,000 with their postcode.
AB41 9FT was drawn as a winner in People’s Postcode Lottery’s Saturday Street Prize on 30 January, 2016.
Judie McCourt of the Postcode Lottery arrived in Ellon to hand out the cheques to the surprised Annand Road winners.
Supermarket worker Linda Forbes, 58, who won a whopping £50,000, said:
“I had an inkling what I’d won, but I couldn’t quite believe it when Judie took the cheque out of the envelope. We’ve never had anyone in Ellon have this type of win. It is my ruby wedding anniversary this year so a cruise is on the cards. I thought we’d have more chance with People’s Postcode Lottery and players’ money goes to worthwhile causes.”
Single mum Louise Smollet, 37, a part time administrative assistant, received a cheque for £25,000. She commented:
“It’s been a cold winter in my house because I need a new heating system so this prize money couldn’t have come at a better time.
“My daughter Neve was so excited when I told her that I’d won People’s Postcode Lottery that she stood up during her school assembly and announced it to everyone. She has asked for a new teddy bear so I think I’ll be able to buy her one.”
Lynne Mcandie, 51, who works as a Technical Assistant at Ellon Academy, added:
“Winning £25,000 is an amazing feeling and it might take a while to sink in. My husband Derek is turning 60 this year and we’d already planned to go on a cruise, but we can make it an extra special trip now. My two daughters have asked for a few new things too.
“It was great to win with so many of my neighbours. We’ve all known each other for quite a few years now and we never realised that we all played People’s Postcode Lottery.”
Jon Shaw, 34, QC inspector at Baker Hughes, another £25,000 winner, said:
“It was fantastic to find out how much we’d won. Out of all the postcodes in Britain, you never think it’s going to be you.”
“We’re going on a holiday later in the year to Cyprus for my wife’s cousin’s wedding, so we’re probably going to spend some of it on that.”
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt added:
“When our players realised how much they had won it was just amazing to see their reactions. I had a great day in Aberdeenshire and it’s a pleasure to meet the people who are helping to raise millions of pounds for so many great causes by playing People’s Postcode Lottery.”