A Bellshill grandfather has said he’ll treat his wife to a weekend away at Glasgow Barras after winning a £60,000 lottery prize.
Gordon Critcher won the money when his postcode – ML4 3PP – was announced as a winner with People’s Postcode Lottery on Saturday.
A total of £90,000 was won in the postcode with Gordon scooping £60,000 thanks to playing with two tickets, while his neighbour won £30,000.
The 76-year-old was joined by his wife Louise when he got a knock on his door.
On seeing his prize, Gordon said: “Oh for goodness’ sake – I thought this was all just a kid on, I didn’t think it would be real!”
The couple, who have been married 47 years, said news of the win has “absolutely lifted their spirits,” after years of ill health for Gordon.
Louise said: “Gordon had a stomach ulcer in the late 1960s that burst. Surgery back then wasn’t where it is now and it done a lot of damage. He’s had 17 operations to try and rectify it but there’s nothing that can be done.”
Gordon added: “Most of my stomach and intestine isn’t there. It’s painful but you can’t dwell on it.
"You just have to get up and get on with it, but it is hard going.”
The retired panel beater knows exactly how he’ll spend the money. He said: “I’m going to get a new car, I’ll treat myself to an automatic!
“I can help my son too. And my wee granddaughter who’s eight has already got a writing pad out to write down everything she’s wanting!”
Louise would love to go on holiday and said: “We went a few years ago to Tenby in Wales and it was beautiful. We’d like to go back there and take the family this time.”
Gordon joked: “We might go for a weekend at the Barras too!”
John Macintyre was the second winner and landed a cheque for £30,000.
He was delighted with the surprise and said: “It’s great, I’m just ecstatic.”
The 56-year-old warehouse forklift driver, has a few plans for the money.
He commented: “I’m going to get my house done up with new carpets and new doors.
"But first and foremost, I’m going to go a wee holiday – I’ve been working too hard so I’m going to go to Tenerife.
“I’ve got three kids so no doubt they’ll be wanting some money from me too!"
Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt said: “It was a pleasure to deliver good news to Gordon and John in Bellshill. I hope they have a great time celebrating and treating themselves with the money.”
People’s Postcode Lottery costs £10 a month to play and there are guaranteed winners every day. People play with their chosen postcode and are automatically entered into all draws.
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