Four Hartlepool neighbours are celebrating after winning £120,000 on the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The winners on Hart Lane in the town netted £30,000 each when TS26 0JN was announced as a winner on Saturday (January 21).
Stephen Wearmouth, 46, was left dumbfounded after receiving the five-figure cash windfall.
He said: “We’re over the moon. It’s a big shock, it’ll make a big difference to us - £30,000 is a lot of money.”
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Stephen’s wife Kirsty wasn’t convinced when he told her he’d won the Postcode Lottery.
She said: “I didn’t believe him when he said he’d won, I thought it was a prank. He is a prankster after all.
Stephen added: “I’ll admit I am a windup merchant.”
The couple, who own local hair and beauty businesses, acknowledged that the win has come at a good time.
The dad-of-six said: “The last few years have been hard. This money will take the pressure off and it’s going to give us a great opportunity to enjoy the year.
Kirsty added: “In Hartlepool, there seems to be a lot of businesses going under at the moment and it’s awful to see. There is a lot of closing because they can’t afford to pay the staff.
This money has taken the pressure away and we’ll be able to continue paying the bills and keep our team together.
The pair are also planning to treat their children with the winnings. Stephen said: “We can go on holiday and get some little treats for our six children.”
Kirsty was delighted to hear others on their street had also won: “I think everyone is struggling at the moment, times are tough, and to see our neighbours who we are really close with winning something as well is amazing.”
Jane Short, 59, is going to celebrate her 60th birthday ‘in style’ with her £30k winnings.
Jane said: “I feel elated – it’s a weird feeling. Even though you pay for the lottery, you don’t ever think you’re going to win it.
“This means everything to me. I don’t have a job at the moment, and this will do a lot.
“I’m 60 this year, so we’ll have a bloody good birthday! I think we’ll have a holiday and a big party in the garden. The garden will be getting landscaped now.”
The grandmother-of-three was joined by her daughter Rebecca when she received a knock at the door from the Postcode Lottery. Rebecca said: “We’ve never had a family holiday so it would be lovely to go away with all the kids.”
Dawn Cowell, 65, is now planning her dream holidays after scooping £30k.
Dawn said: “It feels absolutely wonderful. I’m elated! It’s so lovely to have something you’ve never had like a big chunk of money.
“I’ve always fancied a Rhine River cruise and I’ve always wanted to go to Niagara Falls. And maybe after that a new roof.”
The other winner on the street chose to remain anonymous, but the prize will be paid into their bank account.
Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt said: “What a whopping surprise for our latest £30k winners in Hartlepool. Neighbours winning together is what the Postcode Lottery is all about and it was great to see so much joy on the street.
“I hope they enjoy treating themselves and their loved ones with the cash.”
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