Brookmans Park Millionaire Street

Samesh told how mum Chanchal Kumari had always urged him to take out a subscription because she believed he was the family's lucky charm.

And, after winning a quarter of a million pounds, the retired fashion firm owner said: "I think mum would be really proud.

"She certainly believed. I'm not sure I did, but she was right. I've only been playing for about four months. To have won so quickly is amazing. When I signed up, I was thinking about mum. This is extra special."

Samesh shared £1 Million with six other neighbours after AL9 6PT landed today's Millionaire Street prize in Brookmans Park.

Every ticket was worth £83,333, but Samesh and neighbour Steven Bean each pocketed £249,999 with three tickets. Another player doubled their prize to £166,666 with two tickets. Four others had one ticket each.

Excited Samesh - a former chairman of Birmingham City and Cardiff City football clubs - cuddled wife Gosia as they were presented with three cheques.

And he dedicated the win to Indian-born Chanchal - who passed away nine years ago - as he also celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

He said: "Mum always said that, within the family, I was the lucky one. The Postcode Lottery was always something she influenced me to do. Gosia said that this was my mum doing this for me."

Now the couple plan to support their children as well as spending some of the win on holidays and renovating their detached family home.

Samesh said: "For me, it’s always been about family. You get to a stage in your life when you try to do everything for the kids.

"I want my daughter to have a good education. Same goes for my son. A lot of it will go for his football training and investment in him. I just want happiness for my kids.

"My family are the most important people. We’re a very close family and we don’t like to be away from each other; a holiday would be good.

Down the road, Khalid Mannan told how he proved wife Nivedita Bajaj wrong after she said they'd never win when he signed up.

The couple, both paediatricians, were shocked when their £83,333 cheque was revealed and now plan to go on travel adventures.

Khalid said: "I got a leaflet through the door and started playing, because of the charities. But I never thought that we could be the ones, so it is amazing."

The pair, who have two daughters, want to go on a trip to Canada and the US, including Alaska.

Nivedita said: "We want to go to Canada and the US, particularly Alaska. We'll have to find a cruise and book it."

Nearby, Daksha Maroo revealed she also has big travel plans after scooping £166,666 with two tickets.

Cuddling pharmacist husband Dilip, the mum-of-two said: "It's 40 years since we got married, so I’ll be treating him to a big holiday. I want to take him to India."

Daksha added: "I've never won in my life, so this is something really special. This is Diwali, so this is a really nice Diwali present for me."

The couple also want to resurrect a cancelled holiday to Alaska - as well as taking their two sons, their wives and two grandsons on holiday to Walt Disney World in Orlando.

Daksha said: "We both love travelling and we'd like to do more. Like going to Disney in Orlando with the family would be nice. It's one of my favourite places and we took our kids when they were little.

"We had already booked to go to Alaska before and had to cancel it because of the pandemic."

The pharmacy technician added: "It’s also really good to win with neighbours. It’s feels really special and I’m pleased for them as well."

Andros Pantelli and wife Margarita will try to catch the Northern Lights after pocketing £83,333.

Retired administrator Margarita, who broke down when the cheque was revealed, said: "We’ll go on a cruise to see the Northern Lights. That's always been my dream."

Andros added: "We've been a few places and they don’t come out when we go. We chase them! We’ll try a cruise to the likes of Iceland and Greenland."

The couple will also spruce up the detached villa that’s been home for the past 27 years.

Retired surveyor Andros said: "It's worn a bit and showing its age. It was built in 1959 and we’re only the second owners. It’s mainly cosmetic - paint, new flooring and new bathrooms."

He added: "It's lovely to get something like this and we really appreciate it. I saw the TV advert and saw everyone happy with their prizes. It’s only £12.25 a month and some of it goes to charity, so it’s worthwhile."

The neighbours were delighted to learn that their Millionaire Street win means local charities will also get funding boosts.

Thanks to them, one organisation, Kool Carers South East Ltd based in nearby Welham Green, has been given a £50,000 award from Postcode Lottery players.

Founded eight years ago, Kool Carers focuses on supporting young people who care and look after a member of their family who is sick, disabled, has a mental health illness or who may be misusing drugs or alcohol.

Rachel Tungate, the founder and CEO, said: "When I was told that Kool Carers was being awarded £50,000 funding, I felt quite overwhelmed and as if I was in a dream!

"When I was advised that this funding was in recognition of our amazing work within our local community, I cried.

"I cannot thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery enough for their support, at a time when the financial climate in this country is extremely fragile and funding for organisations such as Kool Carers is less available and more competitive.

"This funding will help to provide financial sustainability to Kool Carers for the next two years. A sincere and heartfelt thank you from all of us at Kool Carers."

Rachel told of the charity's passion in their work to support young carers and their families.

She added: "To receive a phone call and be given the opportunity to talk about our work that as a charity we are so passionate about - supporting young carers and their families - is always an absolute pleasure.

"Firstly, because a key focus of our work is to increase awareness of the lived experience of young carers. Secondly, to be able to showcase the brilliant work of my team, which is a crucial lifeline for so many, is always an honour and, as the founder and CEO, always makes me extremely proud."

Other local organisations awarded funding are:

• Resolve - £50,000 Providing support to local people needing help with substance abuse, homelessness or poverty. They run drug and alcohol treatment sessions, as well as homeless solutions and services.

• Jimmy Mac’s (Activity Centre for the Retired and Disabled) - £50,000 A charity that runs daily events and social gatherings, including a lunch club, bingo and quizzes. They also organise day and holiday trips, as well as lunches at country pubs.

• Potential Kids Ltd - £30,000 They offer learning, sporting and social activity sessions for neurodivergent children and young people.

• Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline - £20,000 A free and confidential helpline available to any person impacted by domestic abuse.

Deserving Projects

Today's prize is part of a draw promoted on behalf of Postcode International Trust. Supported by our players, Postcode International Trust has a mission to support the creation of sustainable solutions that alleviate poverty, hunger and enable food security.

Players aren't the only ones who benefit from People's Postcode Lottery. A minimum of 30% of each ticket price goes to charities and good causes. Thanks to our fantastic players, more than £1.5 Billion has been raised for thousands of deserving projects.

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