A mother who feared she might not survive a major operation has described the astonishing moment she discovered she had won a £144,000 lottery prize from her hospital bed.
From Surgery Recovery to Life-Changing News
Gail Wood, a 54-year-old fire control operator from Seaton Carew, County Durham, had just come round from a significant hysterectomy surgery. Her first instinct was to message loved ones to confirm she had pulled through, having genuinely believed she might die during the procedure.
It was then she noticed a voicemail from the People's Postcode Lottery. The message informed her she had won a prize and that representatives would be visiting her street the very next day. The full extent of her win was breathtaking: a total of £144,000, to be paid in monthly deposits of £12,000 for an entire year.
"He Thought I Was Off My Head"
In disbelief herself, Gail immediately called her husband, Jason, 56. He was equally sceptical, initially putting the news down to the after-effects of anaesthesia. "He thought I was making it up because of the drugs," Gail explained. "He said, ‘You’re off your head’."
Once convinced, Jason revealed he had dreamt about a lottery win just days before Gail's surgery. The couple's shock soon turned to joy as the reality of their six-figure windfall sank in.
Practical Plans for a Family Windfall
Despite the life-changing sum, Gail insists the money will be spent on sensible home improvements and family time, rather than extravagant luxuries. Top of the list is replacing a broken front door that "exploded" recently, followed by a new driveway around June.
The family, who already own a campervan, are considering an upgrade or an additional vehicle. "We might look for a campervan so the kids can share it between them. That would be really nice," Gail said. A modest family holiday is also on the cards, emphasising the desire for simple togetherness.
Reflecting on the whirlwind experience, Gail stated: "I never ever expected to win anything like this. It’s nothing short of life changing." Her story is a remarkable tale of relief and fortune, where a day that began with survival ended with a transformative financial blessing.
