Stupid lottery mistake left me seconds from losing ENTIRE £500k jackpot & stay at the Ritz – my whole life has changed
A LOTTERY winner has revealed how they almost lost out on a jackpot of more than £400,000.
Two neighbours in Otley, West Yorkshire, each won £405,462 in the People's Postcode Lottery, with hundreds of other locals celebrating cash prizes.
The pair each won the lion's share of a £1million prize after their postcode, LS21 1SW, was announced as the winner of the weekly Millionaire Street prize on Saturday.
Both winners chose to remain anonymous after learning of their whopping win over the phone.
One called their massive win "life-changing", and now plans to celebrate by spending a night at The Ritz.
On hearing the incredible news, the shocked neighbour said: "No, I can't believe it, seriously? This is massive, it's life-changing."
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They also revealed how a silly mistake almost cost them the money, adding: "Oh my God, I nearly cancelled my ticket."
Now they have a luxurious treat in mind - visiting the iconic five-star luxury hotel in London.
The winner said: "I asked The Ritz if we could maybe book an afternoon tea or something, but we could even stay there, couldn't we?"
On spending their win, they added: "We'll go out for a meal this weekend and then plan what we're going to do. It just changes everything. I'm over the moon!"
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There was also plenty to celebrate for 435 players in the wider postcode sector, LS21 1, who scooped cash wins ranging from £393 to £1,572, depending on the number of tickets they played with.
Postcode Lottery presenter Danyl Johnson said: "I hope the two winners are having big celebrations tonight for their massive wins.
"I'm wishing them a huge heartfelt congratulations.
"It's brilliant that hundreds of their neighbours have also picked up a prize."
He added: "And thanks to their Millionaire Street win, it means local charities in the area have also benefitted."
Local charity Leeds Women's Aid was awarded £100,000 in funding from Postcode Community Trust.
How to enter the People's Postcode Lottery
- To play the People's Postcode Lottery, you have to and enter your bank details
- You're then automatically entered into a variety of different draws and prizes are announced every day
- The People’s Postcode Lottery costs £12 a month to play and there are guaranteed winners every day.
- People play with their chosen postcode and are automatically entered into all draws.
- A minimum of 33% from each ticket goes to charity.
- Every Saturday, £1 million will be shared by one postcode as part of the lottery’s Millionaire Street prize.
- Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £1.2 billion for thousands of charities and local good causes.
- This prize was promoted on behalf of Postcode Animal Trust which supports organisations including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, PDSA and Medical Detection Dogs.
