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Monday, November 2, 2026

Mum’s pursuit of the ‘perfect Meal Deal’ lands her with £300,000 Lottery win

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A mother who searched for the perfect Meal Deal believes the pursuit changed her life forever after winning a huge £300,000 on the National Lottery.

Janice Beare is celebrating an early Christmas present after searching for her favourite lunch when a last-minute plan change meant she bought a winning Scratchcard instead.

Ms Beare has already started spreading the pre-festive joy, spending some of her winnings on a new washing machine for her eldest daughter, and treating family members to a variety of goods.

The mother-of-five said Christmas has always had a special place in her heart, but this year’s festivities will be even better thanks to the influx of cash.

The Lottery winner said: “I’ve always loved Christmas, especially the lights, decorations and festive atmosphere, but I think I’m going to love it even more from now on.

Janice has already started spending some of her winnings

Janice has already started spending some of her winnings (PA)

“I decided to celebrate with a trip to London for some early Christmas shopping with my mum, although buying a new washing machine for my daughter was actually my first bit of Christmas shopping.

“She called to say hers had exploded and caught fire. Normally I wouldn’t have been in a position to help in a practical way, so being able to say, ‘Choose one and I’ll pay for it’, was the best feeling.”

Ms Beare, from Redruth, Cornwall, had originally set out to buy a Meal Deal but could not find anything she fancied. Instead, she popped into her local Co-op, where fate appeared to intervene.

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“While I was queuing, the lady in front of me bought a Tinsel Trail Scratchcard. Given how much I love Christmas, I took it as a sign and asked for one, too, when I paid for my lunch,” she said.

“I’ve won a few hundred pounds from time to time, and I like to think I am a ‘Christmas believer’ so I decided to try my luck, too.

Janice's quick lunchtime decision changed her life forever

Janice's quick lunchtime decision changed her life forever (PA)

“When I revealed the £300,000 top prize, sitting outside in my old Corsa, I was completely stunned and decided I was right to believe.”

As well as enjoying some festive retail therapy, Ms Beare has already fulfilled one long-held ambition by replacing her 20-year-old Vauxhall Corsa with a brand-new car. Replacing my old Corsa with a shiny new car has been incredible,” she said.

“I have a number of health challenges that affect my mobility, so having a reliable car and being able to get where I need to go without worrying is life-changing.

“I keep laughing to myself that my search for the right Meal Deal ended up being instrumental in me buying a winning Scratchcard. Literally, all my Christmases have come at once.”

Kathy Garrett, from National Lottery operator Allwyn, added: “Congratulations to Janice on this fantastic win. Christmas has definitely come early for her and her family.”

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