A mother who believes a search for the perfect Meal Deal changed her life forever is celebrating an early Christmas present after winning £300,000 on the National Lottery.
Janice Beare was searching for her favourite lunch when a change of plan led to her buying the winning Scratchcard and landing a life-changing festive windfall.
And true to the season of giving, Ms Beare has already started spreading the joy, treating family members and helping her eldest daughter replace a washing machine that had broken down and caught fire.
“I’ve always loved Christmas, especially the lights, decorations and festive atmosphere, but I think I’m going to love it even more from now on,” she said.
“I decided to celebrate with a trip to London for some early Christmas shopping with my mum, although buying a new washing machine for my daughter was actually my first bit of Christmas shopping.
“She called to say hers had exploded and caught fire. Normally I wouldn’t have been in a position to help in a practical way, so being able to say, ‘Choose one and I’ll pay for it’, was the best feeling.”
The mother-of-five, from Redruth, Cornwall, had originally set out to buy a Meal Deal but could not find anything she fancied.
Instead, she popped into her local Co-op, where fate appeared to intervene.
“While I was queuing, the lady in front of me bought a Tinsel Trail Scratchcard. Given how much I love Christmas, I took it as a sign and asked for one, too, when I paid for my lunch,” she said.
“I’ve won a few hundred pounds from time to time, and I like to think I am a ‘Christmas believer’ so decided to try my luck, too.
“When I revealed the £300,000 top prize, sitting outside in my old Corsa, I was completely stunned and decided I was right to believe.”
As well as enjoying some festive retail therapy, Ms Beare has already fulfilled one long-held ambition by replacing her 20-year-old Vauxhall Corsa with a brand-new car.
“Replacing my old Corsa with a shiny new car has been incredible,” she said.
“I have a number of health challenges that affect my mobility, so having a reliable car and being able to get where I need to go without worrying is life-changing.
“I keep laughing to myself that my search for the right Meal Deal ended up being instrumental in me buying a winning Scratchcard.
“Literally, all my Christmases have come at once.”
Kathy Garrett, from National Lottery operator Allwyn, added: “Congratulations to Janice on this fantastic win. Christmas has definitely come early for her and her family.”
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