A mum-of-four who has “never been abroad” can now afford to book her dream holiday – after winning a huge prize at bingo.
Joanne Bell, from Stockton, was shocked when she scored the jackpot.
Her prize? £50,000.
The generous mum has decided to share the money with the three relatives who were with her at the event – including her own mum, who will now be able to retire early.
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But there is still enough left over to allow the 43-year-old to take a well-deserved holiday, which is “definitely on the cards”.
Focused on the game, Joanne didn’t realise she had claimed ‘house’ within the first 16 numbers being called.
This triggered the £50,000 national jackpot on top of the local club prize.
When the venue erupted in celebration, she was in complete shock.
‘‘Everyone around me was saying ‘you’ve won the jackpot, you’ve won the jackpot’,” she told What’s The Jam.
I was like ‘No…’ Then I looked down at the screen and realised I had…it was just so surreal!’’
Her daughter Joanne was over the moon by the happy news.
She said: “My mum was planning on retiring next year, but now she said she’s going to retire at Christmas!
“She’ll probably treat herself to a few holidays.
“She deserves it. She’s been a proper worker all her life.”
Also at the bingo hall was Joanne’s mum and sister – who join her at Mecca Bingo twice a week – as well as her niece, who she believes is her lucky charm.
“Joanne’s jaw was on the floor when she realised she had won the £50,000,” said Jess Heron, the caller at Mecca Bingo Stockton.
“I even screamed; ‘We’ve won the big one!’.
“Everyone in the venue was on cloud nine and I’ve never known an atmosphere like it!
“It gave me goosebumps to see how excited everyone was.
“Other customers were coming over and congratulating her.
“We had a mini celebration on the night, and made a real fuss of Joanne and her family.
“They were just so appreciative and overwhelmed.’’
The announcement of Joanne’s win comes during National Bingo Week, which runs from 24 to 30 June.
