I splashed out on a summer holiday

Sharon Fairs, 52, from Stroud, played a new game for the first time - and won

Settling down to watch the TV with my husband, Niall, 48, it was just a normal Thursday night. Logging on to my Woman’s Own Bingo app on my phone, I was ready for a comfortable evening at home.

I’d always loved bingo, so when a friend told me about Woman’s Own Bingo back in 2010 I thought I would sign up.

Vibrant community

l was surprised how easy it was to set up my account and all the different games you could play – not just bingo.

Over the years I logged on to play mostly bingo – I enjoyed the games and being part of such a vibrant online community, and of course, it was also fun thinking that I might win.

About twice a week I’d play on my tablet while Niall and I watched TV, with soaps or some easy viewing drama in the background. Niall played sometimes too.

My favourite game was Tiki Bingo, but I liked playing the slots too.

I’d had a few wins of £250 and £100 previously, but nothing as big as what happened last October. I had used these smaller winnings to treat my husband – he doesn’t get out as much as he used to – he’s been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. We’d go for a nice meal or to the cinema. Usually, I don’t play the link games, but that evening at around 9pm as the app loaded up on my phone, I decided to give it a go and went for a game starting at 9.30pm.

‘i picked up my phone and couldn’t believe it’

Jumping up and down

I spent a pound on the game in the Sapphire Bingo room, which bought me 10 tickets. I tend not to spend big.

‘Are you watching this TV show?’ Niall had asked me, as he observed me jabbing at my phone. ‘Of course I am,’ I said. Not thinking the game was about to start, I put my phone down and popped to the toilet.

When I came back I picked up my

phone and couldn’t believe it. ‘I think I’ve won,’ I screamed at Niall.

‘Won what?’ he said, as I jumped up and down. ‘£1,000,’ I said, still in disbelief. ‘Can you check? What if I’ve got it wrong?’ I said to him.

Grabbing the phone, he confirmed my win and I let out another yelp.

I couldn’t believe I’d won on a game I never normally played.

‘Wow!’ said my friends the next day, when I arrived at work where I’m an office manager.

‘We’ll let you get the drinks in,’ they said giggling. The cheek!

Making plans

Within a couple of days the money was deposited into my account and I started to think about what I would choose to spend it on.

‘Let’s book that holiday down in Cornwall we’ve always been talking about,’ I said to Niall.

It was nice to have something to look forward to. So, in a few weeks we’ll pack up the car and head down to the coast – hopefully the sun will be out. But then you never know with the English weather.

I also used the money to spoil the kids with presents and day trips. It’s been wonderful to use my winnings to treat those closest to me. We have had a ball.

THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING BINGO? The buzz in the bingo rooms and the fun of playing different games. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE GAME? I love Tiki Bingo as it’s fun and you can really get into playing it. ANY TIPS FOR NEW PLAYERS? Just enjoy it!