In the tranquil village of Down Ampney, Cotswolds, a stunning lottery win has transformed the lives of one couple and their neighbours. Stuart and Sarah Ware-Lane, unaware they were both playing the Postcode Lottery, discovered their combined three winning tickets netted a staggering £214,284.
Sarah, 49, held one ticket worth £71,428, while Stuart, 48, had purchased two tickets in secret, contributing £142,856 to the total prize. The couple only found out about each other’s participation four weeks ago – Stuart had mistakenly thought he was paying for Sarah’s entry, and Sarah had no idea Stuart was playing.
“We literally found out about a month ago. I genuinely thought I was paying for Sarah’s ticket as well,” Stuart explained. “Turns out we both had our own!” This unexpected revelation came just weeks before they received the life-changing phone call from the Postcode Lottery confirming their win.
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The couple moved from London to the Cotswolds eight years ago seeking a peaceful environment for their daughter Maya. “If we hadn’t moved here, this wouldn’t have happened,” Stuart said. “We wanted a better life for our daughter. It’s been the best decision we’ve ever made.”
Beyond the excitement, the family has faced significant personal challenges. Sarah shared that the past year has been difficult due to the loss of her father. “There’s been a lot going on and a lot to deal with,” she said, adding that this windfall means more than money alone.
Stuart and Sarah plan to celebrate their win with close family and are already dreaming of luxury vacations—The Maldives, Bora Bora, or maybe a safari. Their daughter Maya also has grand ideas, hoping to get a second puppy or even a horse.
The Ware-Lanes are just one part of a remarkable £1 million prize shared among thirteen households in the GL7 5QW postcode area. Other winners include Nathan Barnett, who joined the lottery only five months ago and was shocked by his £71,428 prize, and retired egg wholesaler Clive Maltby, who dreams of holidays and upgrading his photography gear with his winnings.
Eighty-year-old Sheila Panther was equally astonished by her prize and amazed at the community spirit in their village. “Everyone knows everyone,” she said, describing how local shops and social groups bring neighbours together.
This extraordinary series of wins highlights not only the financial windfall but also the close-knit spirit of this picturesque Cotswolds community — where luck and camaraderie have combined to create unforgettable memories for these fortunate households.