I won thousands of pounds in a postcode lottery – it was completely free… here’s how I’ll spend it
A MUM scooped thousands of pounds in a postcode lottery that was completely free to enter.
Diane scored £3,345 in the Pick My Postcode draw - making her the lotto's biggest ever winner.
She didn't have to pay a penny to be in the running as PMP is funded by advertising and market research, not ticket sales.
It means her prize money is literally free cash.
Mum-of-three Diane, in her late 60s, said: "I was in disbelief.
"I did a double-take but as soon as I clicked 'claim' I felt excitement and my winnings were in my account the very next day.
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"It goes without saying that the win was more than welcome.
"I'd won with PMP once before on New Year's Day in 2018 - a nice little sum of about £35.
"But this win was about 100 times bigger."
Diane, from Shepton Mallet, Somerset, spent two thirds of the money on getting seven new windows fitted at her home.
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She admits it wasn't the most exciting way to splash the cash, but says it was "much-needed".
The rest of her takings were used to buy items for the local food bank and divided among her three daughters.
Diane said: "As a 1950s-born female pensioner, I, like many of my peers, exhausted my meagre savings during the unplanned six-year wait for my state pension.
"I am far from wealthy and my situation doesn't easily allow me to make large purchases, treat my family or contribute to causes that support others worse off than me.
"My PMP windfall enabled me to do all three of these, which was absolutely wonderful - and all at no cost to me.
"My old windows had failed - some of the glazing was blown and many of the hinges were worn out or broken.
"It was a jolly good start to winter with windows that provided insulation and it's one less household issue to worry about.
"The remainder of the winning pot was divided equally between my three adult daughters, to use for whatever they wanted or needed, and supplies for the local food bank which is always in need of donations."
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Diane first heard about when it was known as the Free Postcode Lottery through Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis.
As a non-gambler, she was sceptical, but soon learned it was a risk-free alternative.
Users simply log in and check the winning postcode results on the website each day.
Founder Chris Holbrook said: "PMP is a lottery you can’t lose.
"While checking a website every day might not appeal to everyone, we make it so easy that it’s hard not to."
Diane added: "Gambling really does not sit well with me.
"In its early days, I entered the National Lottery a few times but I soon realised it wasn't for me.
"PMP is different. It costs me nothing so I'm not gambling and it takes little effort."
Though she can't quantify exactly how much money she is saving with her new windows, Diane reckons they have lessened her monthly bills.
"They have definitely made a difference," she said.
"Areas close to the new windows are much less draughty than they were with the old ones and my bedroom, which was particularly chilly, is now much warmer in the colder weather.
"I'm still spending almost double what I was on heating this time last year, but I try to be energy-conscious.
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"My home thermostat sits at about 14C or 15C when the heating is on for about three hours a day, and 11C the rest of the time.
"I'm quite good at wearing layers but it still costs me £8 a day."
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare –
- Gamble Aware –
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.