People’s Postcode Lottery Delivers Million Pound Wins Across UK

Luck and community spirit have swept across the United Kingdom in January 2026, as the People’s Postcode Lottery delivered life-changing prizes to residents and vital funding to charities in several regions. The excitement began in Harlow, Essex, where the CM18 6ES postcode was drawn for a staggering £1 million jackpot, making headlines and transforming the lives of local winners, including famed TV daredevil Reg Dosell and his wife, Lynda.

Reg Dosell, a household name for his high-wire exploits and television appearances, found himself in a very different spotlight this month. Known for his six decades as a steeplejack and for leading presenter John Noakes up Nelson’s Column without safety gear during a legendary 1977 episode of Blue Peter, Reg has always lived life on the edge. He also guided actor Peter Duncan up Big Ben’s iconic tower and has recounted heart-stopping moments such as climbing a 650-foot power station chimney without a harness to change navigation lights. Yet, despite his history of risk and adventure, nothing prepared Reg and Lynda for the shock of winning £333,333 each in the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Presented with their cheque by lottery ambassador Judie McCourt, the Dosells were visibly overwhelmed. “This has taken the wind out of our sails,” Reg admitted, as reported by BBC. “It’s a vast amount of money. It’s absolutely amazing… brilliant. I can’t imagine what this will do to our lives. It will change it quite a lot.” Lynda, who had just celebrated her birthday days before the win, was equally astonished. “I’m speechless. It’s not sunk in yet,” she confessed. The couple, who still travel the country inspecting lightning conductors on church roofs, have already set their sights on visiting relatives in Canada and possibly splurging on a luxury car—perhaps even a Bentley, Reg joked.

But the lottery’s ripple effect didn’t stop in Essex. Just two days later, the People’s Postcode Lottery announced new winners in Buckley, Flintshire (postcode CH7 2PN), and Great Warford, Cheshire (postcode SK9 7WD), with each lucky resident pocketing £1,000 in a separate daily draw. And the good fortune kept rolling: on January 20, a resident in the CH48 2HL postcode area on Mount Road in West Kirby, Wirral, also celebrated a £1,000 daily prize. According to Liverpool Echo, the People’s Postcode Lottery manages draws for 20 Postcode Trusts, and one-third of every ticket goes directly to charity—a fact that’s become central to its enduring appeal.

Since its inception in 2005, the People’s Postcode Lottery has carved out a unique place in British life, marrying the thrill of winning with a powerful charitable mission. Over £950 million has been raised for good causes, supporting around 9,000 charities nationwide. Every ticket sold is more than just a shot at a jackpot; it’s a contribution to local and national initiatives that touch countless lives. The lottery’s dual-purpose philosophy is perhaps best illustrated by the impact felt in Woking, Surrey, this January.

The GU23 7AZ postcode in Send, Surrey, was drawn on January 10 for the Millionaire Street prize, splitting £1 million among five neighbours. Four residents received £166,666 each, while one doubled their winnings to £333,332 thanks to playing two tickets. But beyond the cash prizes, the draw also delivered a windfall to the community, with several local charities receiving substantial grants. LinkAble Woking, a charity described by families as a “lifeline” for children and adults with learning disabilities or autism, was awarded £50,000 thanks to the lottery’s charitable arm. The organization provides skills-based and social activities at its fully accessible centre and organizes regular day trips, helping members stay active and connected.

“This generous funding means more than 300 local families can continue to access LinkAble’s support,” said Sue Stockman, CEO of LinkAble, as quoted by Surrey World. “It allows us to provide safe, inclusive and engaging activities for people with additional needs, while also offering a much-needed break for parents and carers.” For families like Suraiya’s, whose son is supported by the charity, LinkAble’s role is vital. “LinkAble is a lifeline to so many families,” she shared.

Other beneficiaries of the Send postcode windfall included Surrey Community Action (£50,000), Peer Productions (£40,000), and Kicks Count (£15,000), each playing a crucial role in supporting local communities. The People’s Postcode Lottery’s commitment to giving back has made it a cherished institution, not just for its winners but for those whose lives are improved through its charitable work.

For those eager to try their luck, joining the People’s Postcode Lottery is straightforward. Players pay a monthly fee, which enters them into a variety of draws. Weekly prizes include £10 for players in 1,000 postcodes, and larger jackpots are always a possibility. The sense of anticipation is matched by the knowledge that every ticket helps fund worthy causes, creating a win-win scenario that’s hard to resist.

Reg and Lynda Dosell’s story captures the essence of the lottery’s appeal: the chance for ordinary people to experience extraordinary moments. Their plans for travel and a new car are a testament to the joy and possibilities that come with a surprise windfall. But perhaps the real legacy of the People’s Postcode Lottery lies in the communities it strengthens and the hope it inspires—from the families of Harlow and Send to the charity workers in Woking, and the daily winners in Wirral and beyond.

As 2026 unfolds, the People’s Postcode Lottery continues to spread excitement, generosity, and a sense of possibility across the UK. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping jackpot or a much-needed grant for a local charity, the impact is felt far and wide, reminding everyone that sometimes, fortune really does favour the bold—and the kind-hearted.