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A mother who searched for the perfect Meal Deal believes the pursuit changed her life forever after winning a huge £300,000 on the National Lottery.
Janice Beare is celebrating an early Christmas present after searching for her favourite lunch when a last-minute plan change meant she bought a winning Scratchcard instead.
Ms Beare has already started spreading the pre-festive joy, spending some of her winnings on a new washing machine for her eldest daughter, and treating family members to a variety of goods.
The mother-of-five said Christmas has always had a special place in her heart, but this year’s festivities will be even better thanks to the influx of cash.
The Lottery winner said: “I’ve always loved Christmas, especially the lights, decorations and festive atmosphere, but I think I’m going to love it even more from now on.
“I decided to celebrate with a trip to London for some early Christmas shopping with my mum, although buying a new washing machine for my daughter was actually my first bit of Christmas shopping.
“She called to say hers had exploded and caught fire. Normally I wouldn’t have been in a position to help in a practical way, so being able to say, ‘Choose one and I’ll pay for it’, was the best feeling.”
Ms Beare, from Redruth, Cornwall, had originally set out to buy a Meal Deal but could not find anything she fancied. Instead, she popped into her local Co-op, where fate appeared to intervene.
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“While I was queuing, the lady in front of me bought a Tinsel Trail Scratchcard. Given how much I love Christmas, I took it as a sign and asked for one, too, when I paid for my lunch,” she said.
“I’ve won a few hundred pounds from time to time, and I like to think I am a ‘Christmas believer’ so I decided to try my luck, too.
“When I revealed the £300,000 top prize, sitting outside in my old Corsa, I was completely stunned and decided I was right to believe.”
As well as enjoying some festive retail therapy, Ms Beare has already fulfilled one long-held ambition by replacing her 20-year-old Vauxhall Corsa with a brand-new car. Replacing my old Corsa with a shiny new car has been incredible,” she said.
“I have a number of health challenges that affect my mobility, so having a reliable car and being able to get where I need to go without worrying is life-changing.
“I keep laughing to myself that my search for the right Meal Deal ended up being instrumental in me buying a winning Scratchcard. Literally, all my Christmases have come at once.”
Kathy Garrett, from National Lottery operator Allwyn, added: “Congratulations to Janice on this fantastic win. Christmas has definitely come early for her and her family.”
