July 3rd 2023.
Mark Smith was stunned when he found out he had won more than £145,000 while on holiday in Manilva, Spain. He was sunning himself with sports legend Mark 'Webby' Webster when he got the news.
The 56-year-old security guard and his partner Kathryn Harrop, 50, each won a share of a £3.2m prize - taking their joint winnings to nearly £300,000.
Mark said: "I thought happy days, £70,000 each. But then I was like, 'Oh my God!' I'm 17 stone six foot two, a big lad, and I did get quite emotional. Webby, who is nicknamed 'The Spider', was sitting right next to me when I got the call. He was just shaking his head and saying, 'It's unbelievable', and that he was so pleased for me."
The lucky pair were two of eleven Middleton, Greater Manchester, residents who were surprised by Postcode Lottery ambassador Jeff Brazier and told they had won the top prize.
Kathryn, an HR manager, said: "I'll definitely be having some champagne tonight. I would have had a good time anyway but I am going to have an amazing time now. I didn't really get to celebrate my 50th birthday as my dad wasn't very well. I think I'll take the family away somewhere nice and then go on a girls' trip. I deserve one!"
The couple are planning to renovate their garden with some of the money, and Mark has scrapped his plans for a man cave to make way for a "man mansion".
The win has certainly been a huge surprise for the couple, and Mark says he'll be putting a few bottles of champagne behind the bar at his mate's 60th birthday party that night. What a great way to celebrate!
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