A PENSIONER from Cortleferry near Fountainhall is celebrating after scooping the £100,000 first prize in Saturday’s Diamond Draw of the People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL), writes Andrew Keddie.
Retired James Dodds, 69, learned of his massive win just after the postman arrived at his home on Saturday morning.
The news that his postcode – TD1 2RY – had been selected was conveyed by a small PPL delegation led by street prize presenter Judie McCourt.
“I thought the postman had returned with more bills, but I was left absolutely speechless when Judie handed me the cheque,” recalled James this week.
“I never win anything, I really don’t, and I often joke that I’m the most unlucky person I know. It will take a while to sink in and the first person I phoned was my brother who, like me, couldn’t believe my luck.
“I’ve no idea what I will spend it on. I think I’ll get a wee car and then have a good think about it.”
As a keen gardener, James is more interested in the beautiful wildlife surrounding his house, than the latest computers, mobiles and iPads.
In fact, it was supporting charities such as Scottish Wildlife Trust that convinced James to play the Postcode Lottery.
“Knowing where my money is going is what I like; you don’t get that with other lotteries,” said James.
Meanwhile, Saturday was also a red letter day for Fountainhall childminder Nyssa Conway with her postcode sector TD1 2 winning her the keys of a brand new BMW 1 Series sports car.
“I had a car accident before Christmas and we’ve only just got our vehicle back,” said the 30-year-old. “Ironically, my husband and I had been chatting about buying this exact model of car, but we just couldn’t warrant it. It’s a real treat.” Nyssa, who works from her home, and her husband moved from Edinburgh to Fountainhall three years ago in search of more space and a real sense of community. Her husband continues to commute back to the capital, but the couple, who have an eight-year-old daughter, could not be happier.
“We live three doors down from Bob, the guy who built our house and made my win possible,” said Nyssa. “We know everyone who lives here and it’s a wonderful community.”
Since the People’s Postcode Lottery started, more than £38,000 has gone to charity groups and good causes across the region, including £3,690 to help New Horizons Borders set up a Galashiels drop-in office.