City-born gran bags £250k win but won’t retire
An Edinburgh-born pensioner has vowed to keep working despite a £250,000 lottery win.
Gran of 10 Evelyn Evans bagged a share of £1million when she and her neighbours struck gold in the People’s Postcode Lottery. Her foresight was rewarded when her winnings were doubled because she had played with two tickets.
Evelyn, who has lived in England most of her life and has now settled in Alcester, Warwickshire, landed the prize on Saturday, April 20.
She said: “It’s just mind blowing! To think your postcode does actually come up when you least expect it. It’s been absolutely unforgettable. I’ve never ever thought I’d win such a big amount.”
Although the 73-year-old is now planning to take her entire family on holiday and go to one of her own dream destinations, retirement is the last thing on her mind. She loves her job as a Military Maintenance, Repairs, Overhaul (MRO) specialist, which largely involves sourcing spare parts for military helicopters, far too much to give it up.
Evelyn added: “I love what I do. I’ve always worked, they’ll be carrying me off in a box and I’ll still be typing on the computer, ringing a customer, or sending an email.
“I was straight back to work after the Postcode Lottery visited. As they say ‘time stands still for no man’.
“I keep on working, not necessarily for the money, but because it’s something to do, keeps me busy and keeps my mind going. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t work.”
Evelyn grew up in The Inch and moved to England in her twenties but still calls the Capital her home. “I always feel when I fly or drive back up the road that you’re going home”, she continued. “It’s something that never leaves you. You just belong there. And I love coming back, coming over the bridges and you see the hills. It’s just like going back home.”
When Evelyn received the phone call to say she had won a big money prize, she forgot to ask how much she would be getting. No sooner had she hung up the phone when her son Craig scolded her for not asking.
Craig joked: “She’s got a 42-inch TV but it’s about 42 years old. Mum can invest in a new one, and I’ll take her to the shop myself.”
Evelyn said: “My TV works perfectly fine, but yes I guess I could get a new telly.”