ROYTON folk are celebrating after scooping almost £250,000 between them on the People’s Postcode Lottery.
A total of eight players could hardly believe it when they were told they had won £30,000 each after their address was pulled out.
The winners, who live on or near to All Saints Close, received the good news after their postcode OL2 5RD was drawn as a Street Prize winner on Tuesday, July 16.
Among them is Carly Whyatt, who is still coming to terms with the windfall and may head away and spend some of the money on her home.
The 35-year-old mother of two said: “I can’t believe I’ve just won £30,000. It’s a mind-blowing amount.
“I don’t know what I’ll spend it on, we’ll be able to carry out some home improvements and take a family holiday away somewhere abroad, maybe Spain.”
The eight winners were not the only ones to win the People’s Postcode Lottery, a local charity has benefitted too.
One local good cause close by is SPOONS, which was awarded £7,000 to help support and give advice to parents and families in Oldham that have babies in the newborn intensive care unit.
Monthly meetings allow families to support each other and increase their confidence in looking after their children.
They are just one of 6,500 charities and good causes in Britain and beyond to have shared some £450 million since 2005.
And Mrs Whyatt believes the local donation only boosted the win.
Carly added: “It’s great that the lottery helps so many different charities.
“I’ve won the odd £10 or £20, so it gives back to you too and it can seriously give back to you.
“It feels amazing to have won with my neighbours. It’s a really tight-knit community around here and to share a win like this with your friends is special.”
The remaining winners were not on hand to collect their prize, so the money will be paid directly into their bank accounts.
Every day in July’s draws, players in one lucky postcode will win £30,000 per ticket, with a minimum of £17 million being won in this month’s draws alone.
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt, who knocked on Carly’s door and presented her with her cheque, said: “A massive congratulations to Carly. It was fantastic to meet her, hear what this amount of money means and what she and her family hope to do with it.”
This draw was promoted on behalf of Canal & River Trust, which has received £6,405,236 thanks to funding raised by players.
Thanks to this support, the charity can continue to care for and bring life to 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England and Wales.