A GROUP of neighbours in Kingswood have scooped £1 million on the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Eight households have each received £125,000 after winning the Millionaire Street jackpot in the first week of October.
The BS15 winners include two couples whose wedding plans might just be a little more lavish now, as well as others who are planning holidays, home renovations and help for family members.
The lucky residents were presented with their winnings by X Factor singer and entertainer Danyl Jackson.
Fittingly, one of the winners is a postwoman, who decided to take part after regularly delivering Postcode Lottery envelopes.
Another had been asked by his fiancée to cancel the lottery ticket to save money – but, fortunately for them both, he had forgotten to do so.
Social worker Gemma Marson-May (above) joined the lottery in August after having a feeling she would win.
“I felt like the postcode would win in September. I’m only a week out, really, so this has worked pretty well.
“It sounds like nonsense, but something said to me that if I didn’t sign up, I’d be stupid. When I went to join up, I then considered just leaving it but I thought I would kick myself if I didn’t.”
Gemma and fiancé Matt Walters in November had already been making plans to tie the knot in a ceremony in Devon in May 2027.
Gemma said: “We got engaged in November last year and had quite a long wedding plan because we were saving up.
“We’re also trying to buy a house and had three viewings for next week before we knew this was happening. I think I’m about wake up from a dream.”
Matt said he was lost for words when he heard the news. “Gemma called me very excited after getting the phone call to say she’d won.”
James Adams revealed his bride-to-be asked him to cancel his Postcode Lottery ticket three months ago – but he forgot and won £125,000.
Rohanna Coulthard told fiancé James to cancel the direct debit as they saved for their wedding in June next year.
But it slipped his mind and the motion graphic designer ended up banking the whopping amount.
James said: “I was going to stop doing it three months ago then forgot. Thank God for just being lazy and really silly. Incompetence pays off!”
Rohanna, who started screaming and giggling as soon as the cheque was revealed, said: “James never told me that he had signed up and I asked him to cancel the direct debit when I saw it going out because we are saving for the wedding.
“Thank goodness he didn’t. I wouldn’t be doing too great and [would] probably not be very well.”
She laughed: “But here we are. I forgive him.”
Mum-of-two Gillian Silsbury (above) and husband Steve said it’ll be family first for them.
Retired Cadbury’s worker Steve said: “The children will be happy for us. They won’t be expecting anything but they will be getting something.”
Grandmother Gillian, pictured, added: “I’ve always wanted to see the Amalfi Coast. We’ve got some holidays booked, but there will probably be extras now.”
Jennifer Guest and retired seafood seller husband Allan pointed to scaffolding on the front of their house and said the win will help pay for new guttering.
But the retired bank worker said their priority will be treating their family – and fitting in a holiday to St Ives in Cornwall.
Vanessa Smith said she’ll book a trip to Australia to see The Ashes for her partner’s birthday in two years.
Vanessa, a Royal Mail postie for eight years, had already been planning the Down Under treat for partner Jeff Pymm at Christmas 2027.
She said: “eff wants to go to Australia to watch the cricket in a couple of years. I’ll go as well. There are plenty of things to see there other than just cricket. We’ve also discussed a camper van to travel around Cornwall when we retire.”
Vanessa pointed to the red outfit she wears for her Royal Mail deliveries – and said that’s what led to her signing up for Postcode Lottery.
Construction worker Jeff said: “We’ll get the double glazing sorted out. And we’ll have a T-bone steak each tonight, I think.”
Steve Hooper told how his win will bring joy after the torment of health battles he has faced over the past few years.
Steve had a triple bypass nine years ago and is being monitored after treatment for cancer.
And the day before his win, his dad John was rushed into hospital from the house they share.
Steve said: “I’ve been living with cancer for the past four years. It could kill me, but I’m still smiling. I go every three months for a check-up. I’ve had a triple bypass too. But this has brought a really big smile to my face and will bring one to a lot of other people I know.”
Now the motor insurance claims handler is planning a holiday – and it’s a toss-up between Mauritius and Orlando. He also plans gifts for the family, including a car for brother Kevin.