Retired security guard scoops £2,000 in postcode lottery as Basingstoke address hits lucky

Phil Farrelly, from Basingstoke, won the cash on June 9.

The 68-year-old said he was delighted to see his postcode - RG21 3JQ - feature as a winner, meaning every ticket in that postcode was given £1,000.

As Phil had two tickets, his luck was doubled and he was awarded £2,000.

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Phil, a singer in his spare time, said: "I played the football pools for 40 years and all I ever won was £50.

"I have lived in this area for over 50 years and I have been playing the postcode lottery for a few months.

"I even had a go at them the other week, saying that I didn't believe that anybody ever won in Basingstoke.

"So I thought I would share my good news to give those who don't believe a bit of hope and to encourage other people to buy a ticket."

Phil, who rides a mobility scooter decorated like a Harley Davidson, said as soon as the money cleared in his account he went straight to Currys and upgraded his television.

He is now looking forward to watching his top of the range TV when it arrives on Monday, and is considering spending the rest of his windfall on a new sofa so he can watch it in greater comfort.

Phil said he has suffered various health conditions lately, including a heart attack and that he had aggravated his COPD after he put an apple pie that was still in the tin foil in his microwave, causing his flat to be engulfed in smoke.

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However, he said: "I am not in good heath but I feel that good things are now happening to me. I have heard so many people saying they think the lottery is a scam, but it's not a scam.

"My message to them is to never give up on your dreams, your turn will come. I never thought I would be a winner, yet here I am. It's great. I am so happy."

Phil said he was going to start buying five tickets a month now, in the hope of winning the jackpot.

People's Postcode Lottery is a subscription lottery which raises money for charities.

Players sign up with their postcode and pay £10 per month.

There are winning postcodes announced every day for different prizes - starting from £10, then every Saturday and Sunday, winning postcodes are announced where players win £30,000 and every month, players in one postcode sector share £3m or more.

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