by Alan Quick

IT promises to be an extra special Christmas for many local people, winners of the October People’s Postcode Lottery’s Postcode Millions draw, who share £2 million.

The winners, all from the EX17 6 area, including Coldridge, Lapford, Nymet Rowland, Morchard Bishop, Bow, Zeal Monachorum and Down St Mary, were invited to a presentation ceremony held at Highbullen Hotel, Umberleigh, on Saturday, October 31.

There were 94 winners who shared the £2 million prize pot, with prizes ranging from £2,995 to £400,000.

Two winners who both played with the full winning postcode, EX17 6AA, from Lapford, won £400,000 each but were unable to attend the cheque presentation ceremony.

Marilyn Jackman, from Bow, won £14,995.

She told the “Courier”: “We are going to have a really great Christmas and I hope to spend some of the money on a trip to Australia to see my son who lives there.”

Sarah Nicks, from Nymet Tracey, who received a cheque for £13,482, had previously predicted she would win a prize.

She explained: “About three weeks ago I just knew I was going to win some money and that there would be a three in the prize money.”

She added: “I had no idea how much I was going to receive at the ceremony on Saturday. I started doing the People’s Postcode Lottery in February and it was great to receive such a good amount.

“We are looking forward to having a lovely Christmas after our win.”

Lou and James Lumley of The White Hart, Bow, won £7,490 and said they were “chuffed” to receive such a sum.

On Saturday, Lou said: “We are planning a big celebration tonight and are looking at booking a holiday but we really had no idea how much we were going to win so have made no plans.”

MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

At the cheque presentation ceremony one love-struck winner popped the question live on stage to his girlfriend of two years after scooping a cheque for £5,991.

Paul Riley (54), from Lapford, was so overcome with emotion when his cheque was revealed that he got down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend Karen (45), from Spreyton.

When asked by People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador, Judie McCourt, what he was going to do with his money he declared: “I need to buy a ring for my girlfriend now,” and asked the very important question in front of the packed crowd.

Paul, a comedy magician, described the moment he won and proposed to Karen as “absolutely magical.”

He added: “I’ve been wanting to propose to Karen for a while but didn’t have the money, as soon as I saw how much I’d won I knew exactly what I had to do.”

Paul and Karen attended the cheque presentation with best friends and neighbours Donna Moors (51), and her partner Shaun (44).

Donna was delighted when she saw her two friends get engaged but was even more excited when she was presented with her very own cheque for £14,980.

As a Pagan White Witch, Donna had a good feeling about the event as Hallowe’en is always a special date in the Pagan calendar.

“I’m a practising White Witch and have been sending positive messages to all the players in advance of the event,” said Donna.

Donna knows exactly what she plans to spend her money on and that is her three children Harry-John, Katie and Jessica. “My daughter Jessica lives in Northamptonshire and I would really love for her to move down to live with us here, hopefully now with the money I’ve won today she’ll be able to do that.”

Donna and Shaun planned to celebrate the evening with their friends but it was not expected to be too wild as they were both working the following day at a Toby Carvery.

Donna is assistant manager and Shaun is the chef so they needed to wait until Sunday night before they could really enjoy the win.

Love was also in the air for engaged couple Shane Leach (26), and Sadie Gelsthorpe (28), who are getting married in August next year. Shane picked up a cheque for a whopping £13,482.

The local builder said the money would help them get married life off to a great start: “I can’t believe how much I’ve won. This will help us to put down a deposit for a new home.”

Shane’s future father-in-law Ian Gelsthorpe was also a lucky winner, scooping £8,988.

Ian gave his future son-in-law the seal of approval and promised to spend the money on his daughter’s big day.

He said: “It will be such an honour to give Sadie away on her wedding day and this money will make a real difference to them.”

Patrick Rice (67), not only scooped £8,985 but also won a brand new BMW 1 Series car.

People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador, Judie McCourt, who was delighted to hand out cheques to the lucky local winners, said on Saturday: “This has got to be one of the most amazing treats to receive on Hallowe’en and we had our first-ever Postcode Millions proposal.

“It’s been a fantastic day in the beautiful Devonshire countryside and it’s been a real pleasure to give away £2 million to all the lovely winners from Crediton!”

It was not just players who win by playing People’s Postcode Lottery.

A total fund of £86.8 million has been awarded to charities and good causes.

The winners’ celebration saw a number of supported charities in attendance including Medicins Sans Frontiers (Doctors without Borders), Marine Conservation Society, Dementia Adventure, Royal Voluntary Service, Girlguiding, Missing People and Riding for the Disabled Association.