I had to sleep in a ‘cave’ in the garden – but now my life has changed forever after winning £400,000 in the lottery
A GRAN who had to sleep in a ‘cave’ in her garden says her life has now changed forever – after she won £400,000 in the lottery.
Brenda McMullan, 72, from Chorley in Lancashire, suffered a stroke in March – while still recovering from breaking her back in seven places in 2017.
The retired mum-of-two had to sleep in her husband Denis’s garden “man cave” and wear a special “cage device” while she learned to walk again.
But now Brenda’s fortunes have been changed – after she and three neighbours split a £1million Postcode Lottery prize on Saturday.
Another winner on the street said he will splash their cash on a £16,000 Ford Mondeo.
Brenda had bought two tickets – doubling her share of the jackpot to £400,000.
The pensioner told how she spent ten days in hospital earlier this year after suffering a stroke in the middle of the night.
She told the Lancashire Post: “I just woke up and couldn’t move – and when I tried to speak to Denis, I couldn’t talk.
“Denis carried me down the stairs, put me in the car and got me there quick.
“We’ve been married 53 years, since I was 19. He’s been my only boyfriend. And we look after one another, don’t we?”
The stroke left Brenda temporarily blind – six years after a crippling back injury “ruined my life”.
The couple had planned to sell the home where they have lived for 40 years because of Brenda’s health problems – but now they can stay put.
Their two sons and five grandchildren will join them as they celebrate their life-changing win.
Denis also plans to splash out on a Manchester United season ticket and a programme from the 1968 European Cup – which he attended as a young man.
Brenda added: “After Christmas, once I get the all clear from the hospital, I’m ready for a really good holiday.”
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.