Wigan dad who’s been shielding for nearly a year wins £30,000

A shielding dad from Wigan who won £30k on the Postcode Lottery says it’s the first time he’s felt excited since last March. 

Andrew Calderbank, 50, landed a cash win on the People’s Postcode Lottery on Monday, February 15th, winning £30,000.

Andrew, who has muscular dystrophy and diabetes says the win has lifted his spirits, adding: “I’ve been shielding so it’s been tough, really tough. Luckily, I can work from home but it’s a lot of staring at four walls which isn’t very good. The highlight of my day is the postman coming.

“You feel down when you’re shielding but this has really lifted me. I feel excited and I’ve not felt excited since before March last year.

“I got my vaccine two weeks ago which was like a late Christmas present, and getting this now is like another!”

Andrew, who works as a safety advisor for Heinz, found out the news on a video call joined by his wife.

Andrew said: “Fantastic, that’s brilliant! You never think you’ll win that amount of money – other people usually win that, not us!”

Speaking on what they plan to do with the money, Andrew and his wife Jennifer said they would love to go on a romantic trip to Australia where they got married. 

They also added they will be treating their son, who they have been missing since Andrew is unable to see people while shielding.

Andrew said: “We got married in Australia 27 years ago so we’d like to go back when we’re able to. After this last year and all the shielding, it would be great to get some sun and a bit of happiness back in our lives.

“We’ll treat our son, Brett, as well. He’s 24 and we’ve really been missing him. Hopefully at some point we can get together with our friends and have a big party and just enjoy it really.”

Jennifer, who works at a Sainsbury’s distribution centre, added: “We’re just shell shocked. I think we might have to have a glass of champagne later to celebrate!”

People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Jeff Brazier said: “I’m delighted for Andrew – it was such a pleasure to give him and Jennifer some good news. Hopefully, it’s not too long until he can see his family and friends again and jet off on that trip to Australia.

“I’m sure our other lucky winner in Orrell will be just as pleased as he is – congratulations!”

Every day throughout February, one postcode is announced as the £30,000 prize winner, with each player winning £30k for each ticket they hold. 

The People’s Postcode Lottery costs £10 a month to play with 32% of the ticket sales going to charity.