Big Birmingham Bonanza

A woman previously given months to live has said she feels she has a future again after winning a share of £3.2 Million with People's Postcode Lottery. Maxine, who is now in remission from skin cancer after being given months to live, pocketed £200,000.

We announced B36 9 as the winning sector of June's Postcode Millions on Facebook on Saturday 2nd July.

Maxine and seven other people won £200,000 each, the biggest share of the £3.2 Million prize, thanks to playing with the full winning postcode of B36 9HD.

The remaining 1,321 residents in the sector received cheques ranging from £1,078 to £6,468, depending on the number of tickets they played with.

This is the second time the area has landed a whopping win. Back in 2014, 103 neighbours shared £2 Million in our February Postcode Millions draw.

An Amazing Present

Maxine became emotional when she saw her prize and described the money as 'life-changing.' She said, "I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and given between seven months and a few years to live. I was told radiotherapy and chemotherapy wouldn't work - that was four years ago. I went on a trial for immunotherapy and it worked. I came off treatment in December 2020 and I'm in remission now but I've been left with a lot of side effects.

"I used to be very independent and I've lost my spirit. I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to go back to work full-time again.

"This money means everything to me. I feel like I've got a future again.

"I rely on my mum and my sister a lot but this gets rid of the knot in my stomach that makes me feel like I'm dependent on everyone.

"I'm going to treat my mum, Christine, and my sister, Kirsty."

Maxine signed up to play when she moved to the postcode three years ago and she heard it had won in 2014. She said, "I honestly thought lightning wouldn't strike twice. I thought it was a hoax when I got the phone call.

"It's not quite sunk in yet. I'll probably have a cry and a cup of tea later. And it's my birthday tomorrow - what an amazing present!"

Over The Moon

Maxine's neighbour Dave, who's recovering from spinal cord surgery, also won £200,000. He couldn't believe it when People's Postcode Lottery Presenter Jeff Brazier revealed his cheque. He exclaimed, "You are joking! Crikey!

"My wife, Jen, signed up to play after the postcode won last time. I lost her in 2014 but I'm so glad I carried it on. We were married 43 years. It's like she's looking down on me now."

Dave, who worked as a mechanic and was also a wedding car driver, has lived at the postcode for 22 years. He already has a few ideas on how to spend his windfall. He said, "I tell you what I'm going to do, I'm going to pay my son's mortgage off, take my dog on holiday and see my sister-in-law in Australia.

"I'm so over the moon, I just wish I could do back flips!"

Big Holiday Plans

Praful, who works as a courier driver, had ignored calls and e-mails from our Postcode Lottery team, thinking it was all a hoax. He soon realised his mistake after he got a cheque for £200,000. He said, "I didn't believe it at first, I thought it was a scam. We work hard but we've never had anything like this. It's so good. I think I'm going to cry!"

Praful was joined by his wife of 43 years, Ragini, when he received the news.

The pair have big plans. Praful commented, "We have five daughters, we're going to take them on holiday. They aren't going to believe us! I think we're going to go to Mauritius. We've always wanted to go but never had the chance."

Treating The Family

Kath received her cheque for £200,000 alongside her friend, Sandra. Kath said, "It means the world to me. I moved into this home 46 years ago but I'd just started playing two years ago. I was hoping this would happen, it's fantastic.

"I've got children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren so this means I'm going to be able to treat the whole family.

"I lost my husband just over 12 months ago and I hate being alone. I might look into finding a nice new bungalow for myself near some of my children."

Absolutely Brilliant

Craig, who is Kath's neighbour as well as Sandra's son, was dumbfounded when he found out he'd won a cheque for £200,000 after coming round to film Kath's good fortune on his phone.

He said, "I got told to come round to Kath's because she'd won the lottery. When I got into the garden I thought, 'Hang on, she's got the same postcode as me!'

"It's absolutely brilliant, I just can't believe it."

Craig, a full-time carer for his mum Sandra, has a few plans for his prize money. He said, "I've got a 14-year-old daughter so I think she'll have most of it spent already. I've promised her a holiday to Disney in Florida. And obviously, I'll look after my mum because she's looked after me."

More Tickets!

Pauline was joined by her husband Paul when she received the good news about her win.

Pauline, who retired late last year, said, "It couldn't have come at a better time. It's beyond my wildest dreams, I've never won anything like this. This amount is life-changing."

Pauline began playing following the previous win on the street. "We got tickets because of the 2014 win and have played ever since then. We might have to buy more tickets!"

People's Postcode Lottery Presenter Jeff Brazier congratulated our winners and said, "Lightning really does strike twice. It was brilliant to deliver good news to our lovely winners this weekend.

"Next door neighbours winning together is what People's Postcode Lottery is all about. I've loved meeting our winners and hearing their plans for their winnings. I'm sure there will be lots of celebrations going on in B36 9 this weekend!"

Deserving Projects

Today's prize is part of a draw promoted on behalf of Postcode Support Trust. This trust provides regular grant funding to organisations which support people who need help to live happy and more fulfilled lives. Supported charities include Crisis, Missing People and Royal Voluntary Service.

Our players are raising funds for charities and good causes across Britain and around the world. To date, People's Postcode Lottery players have raised more than £900 Million for over 9,000 deserving projects and organisations.

Local charities have also benefited, including ecobirmingham. Last year it was awarded £19,000 to inspire and empower communities to live sustainably, address the climate emergency, bringing benefits and wellbeing to all.

Not playing yet? Do you know about all the amazing Prizes our players can win? Learn about how People's Postcode Lottery works - it's really easy. Sign up to play today and help us help even more good causes.