Cottingham residents hit the People’s Postcode jackpot

A retired nurse from Cottingham has described winning £90,000 as ‘a miracle.’

82-year-old Rita Leveridge won the money when her postcode, HU16 5LQ, was announced as a winner with People’s Postcode Lottery on Saturday 3rd September.

A total of £300,000 was won in the postcode, with seven of Rita’s neighbours who also play picking up cheques for £30,000 each. Rita trebled her win thanks to playing with three tickets.

Mum-of-three Rita was joined by her husband Ron when she got the good news.

Rita said: “It’s a miracle. The only thing I’ve ever won is a glass dish at Hull Fair when I was 12 – £90,000 is a bit better than that!”

Ron became emotional as he added: “We’ve never had that amount of money in our life. I can’t explain how I’m feeling. It’s just amazing.”

The couple who have been together for 63 years also plan to treat themselves. Ron said: “We’ve talked about going on a cruise around the Mediterranean so maybe we’ll do that.”

Delivering the good news to the Cottingham neighbours was People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt.

She said: “I’ve loved meeting all our lucky winners in Cottingham and delivering them some good news.

“I’m sure there will be lots of celebrations on the cards and I hope they enjoy treating themselves with the cash.”

Ron Smith (84) was completely unaware that he was about to get a knock on his door and was surprised midway through mowing his lawn.

The 84-year-old summed up his feelings after his £30,000 cheque reveal. He said: “I’m feeling about six foot taller.

“It’s not often you get up in the morning and by the time you go to bed you’ve won £30,000.

“It’s surreal.”

Husband and wife Stephen and Valerie Thompson both play with their own tickets and scooped £30,000 each.

Valerie already has plans on how to spend her cash. She said: “I’m going to upgrade my flight to visit my son in San Diego. We’re also going to buy some garden furniture.”

Valerie added: “Steve does like cruising, we talked about going next year. Possibly the eastern Mediterranean.”

Stephen added: “We can treat ourselves – maybe we’ll get a balcony or a suite! I wasn’t expecting this amount at all, it does knock you back a bit.”

Christine Leach (66) and her husband Brian couldn’t believe their luck after being presented with their £30,000 winnings.

Christine said: “Now we’ll have extra to do what we want to do.”

When asked how they would use the cash the couple spoke about plans for a swift holiday getaway. Brian said: “We’re going to go on holiday. Hopefully next week – maybe even this week! We’re going to go straight away.”

Susan Bastick (82) described feeling ‘on top of the world’ after being presented with her cheque for £30,000.

She joked: “I just hope I don’t fall off!”

The win is some welcome good news after a bout of ill health. Susan commented: “I’ve not been able to get out much – my hip has popped out a few times and I’ve been in hospital a bit since February. Hopefully my luck is changing now!”

Susan was joined by her husband, Bill, who had his own plans for celebrating.

He said: “I feel great, I might have a Scotch whisky tonight.”