More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A retired policeman who hit the jackpot with a £30,000 lotto win says he is looking forward to splashing out on a family holiday, and a brand new hip.
Grandfather-of-three Michael Abbott is one of five neighbours from Maidstone to win a share of a £150,000 prize fund.
The 74-year-old and his wife Pat have lived at their home in Loose for almost 38 years but only started playing the People’s Postcode Lottery six weeks ago.
He said: “I joined in December and since then I’ve had two £10 wins. Now this has come along and I can’t believe it.
“We’re not gamblers but I started the lottery because a lot of the money goes to charity - you never ever think you’re going to win.”
When asked how he would spend his winnings, Mr Abbott said: “We're planning on taking all the family away on a cruise, which we’ve moved to this year, so that will help with that.
“We’ve got some decorating that needs to be done and a couple of rooms to refurbish.
Watch Mr Abbott react to the news.
"I'm also going to buy a new hip to help me get about."
With NHS waiting lists backing up because of Covid-19, private operations can start from around £8,000 per hip.
The couple’s winning neighbours in ME15 9SW chose to remain anonymous.
The news was announced to Mr Abbott over a Zoom call with the lottery's ambassador Matt Johnson.
Mr Abbott explained: "I was washing the wife's car when the phone rang. It was from Edinburgh and I didn't answer it because I thought it was a nuisance call.
"Then I checked my emails and I had one from them asking me to call them.
"I organised to have the zoom call and that's when the ambassador Matt Johnson revealed the cheque which said £30,000 and I thought 'oh my God!'
During the video call, Mr Abbott said: “I’m very happy, my wife says she’s shaking!”
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador, Matt Johnson said: “Congratulations to Michael and all of our other winners in Maidstone.
"I’m sure this win will lift their spirits and I hope they enjoy spending their winnings.”
Everyday throughout the January draws one postcode will be announced as a £30,000 prize winner. All the players in the postcode will win £30,000 for every ticket they hold.
People’s Postcode Lottery costs £10 a month to play and there are guaranteed winners every day.
Around 32% of ticket sales goes directly to charities and so far more than £600 million has been raised to date for thousands of good causes.
