A NATIONAL Lottery winner from Basingstoke, joined with her godson, gave a children’s hospice grounds a Christmas makeover yesterday (December 5.)

Tammie Pickett, 38, won a £1,000,000 prize on a National Lottery Scratchcard just before Christmas last year. She helped Naomi House & Jacksplace turn their grounds into a winter wonderland with a delivery of Christmas lights. The hospice provides hospice care for life-limited and life-threatened children and young people.

She was joined for the big switch-on by her four-year-old godson, Frankie O’Connor, celebrating with the staff at the hospice.

Tammie said: “Seeing Frankie enjoying the lights has been an early Christmas present for me and his mum, my dear friend Debbie O’Connor. They’ve both been through so much since Frankie was born with Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) so being able to do something special for them, and making Frankie the star of today has been wonderful.

“This Christmas we will be hosting in our new home, and I’ll remember this moment, and all the other unique and special moments we’ve enjoyed this year and will once again count my lucky stars for that lottery win.”

Tammie had her win after going into a convenience store last December with her poorly girl to get her some sweets. Deciding to get herself something as well, she managed to get the winning card.

Reflecting on the win, Tammie said: “My daughter – who happens to be Frankie’s best friend - had just been for a doctor’s appointment when I decided to buy her a little something to cheer her up. It was payday and I decided to treat myself to a scratchcard too. When I revealed that £1million symbol I just couldn’t have predicted how our lives would change.”

Tammie, and husband Ian, moved with their children to their own detached four-bedroom dream home in Basingstoke. They’ve also enjoyed their first family holiday together in the sun and attended an exclusive black tie party with other lottery winners.

Play and activities team leader at Naomi House and Jacksplace, Huw Bromage, said: “Our nursing, care, play and family support teams are experts in delivering the crucial emotional, spiritual and developmental aspects of care that families need all year around.

“Tammie’s delivery of lights is truly fantastic and has enabled us to create the winter wonderland of our dreams.”