Archbishop planning Vegas trip after Postcode Lottery win
He's among more than 250 people in Brighton who've scooped a share of more than £3 million
More than 250 Brighton residents have enjoyed a fine start to the year after picking up a share of £3.2 million on the People's Postcode Lottery.
The BN2 3 postcode area was named as the winner of the prize on Saturday (January 28th).
Five people in the full winning postcode - BN2 3FR - took the highest prizes, with four getting £266,666 and a fifth £533,332 as they player with two tickets.
The winners include the Titular Archbishop of Selsey, Jerome Lloyd, who is planning a once in a lifetime trip to Las Vegas and New Orleans after picking up more than a quarter of a million pounds.
Jerome said:
"This feels incredible. I'm completely shocked, it's just absolutely amazing.
"At Christmas my friends and I were chatting about how amazing it would be to visit Las Vegas and now I can make that dream a reality.
"I've always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon and see some of the amazing shows on the Vegas Strip. We also fancied New Orleans so we might tag that on too."
Jerome shared: "I signed up to play because of all the amazing charities that are supported, and I really liked the idea of giving back on a big scale. Supporting charities is really important to me and I'm currently fundraising for the San Domingo Old Roman Chapel in the Philippines that is in need of complete restoration so this money will help them a lot.
"The chapel is a really important space for the community that provides a place of hope for local families, I'm delighted that I'll be able to phone my colleagues in the Philippines and tell them that this money is on its way!"
Jerome, who celebrates his birthday next week, is also planning on treating himself to driving lessons and a new car when he passes his test.
Karin Hranicka, also played with the full winning postcode, winning her £266,666.
Karin, who has appeared as an extra in Eastenders and The Crown, was jumping for joy following her win.
She said: "This is just unbelievable. It's life changing. My friend told me to sign up about three years ago and I did after seeing all the charities that are supported. It's amazing seeing that my neighbours have won as well."
When asked if she had any immediate plans following her win, Karin said: "First thing I'm going to do is call my auntie. Then I'm going to go and play tennis with my friend as I said I would and don't want to let them down!"
Karin plans to spend some of her winnings on a trip away with family and, like Jerome, is also considering some driving lessons and a new car.
Karin said: "I've worked hard all my life, sometimes working two or three jobs, so now with this money I can do what I want, it just makes life that little bit easier."
The other three winners, one who won £533,332, and the other two who won £266,666 each, chose to remain anonymous.
Prize amounts for players across the winning sector ranged from £5,673 to £17,019 depending on the number of tickets played with.
People's Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt said:
"What an amazing start to 2023 it has been for our players in Brighton! I absolutely loved meeting our winners and hearing about the impact the win will have on their lives. Congratulations to all our winners from BN2 3."