I booked a Spanish getaway with my winnings

Elvira Mcfadyen, 60, from Greenock, was shocked at her jackpot win

As I picked up a copy of Woman’s Own, back in May 2016, I started to read one of the stories. It was a feature about a woman who had won two jackpots on the bingo – amazing.

As I read her story, I became curious – I’d played bingo in the past, but her excitement about the entertaining online bingo community, and her colourful description of the fun games, made me want to give Woman’s Own Bingo a try.

I was warmly welcomed. Everyone was chatting about the games and giving me advice about which ones to play. It was nice to find such a friendly bunch of people.

Over the next couple of years, I played different games, such as the slots, but always went back to the Sapphire room. Sapphire Bingo reminded me of the traditional bingo games played in the bingo halls. It’s a 90-ball room, where you can win a cash prize on one or two lines, or a Full House. A year ago, I won £250 and couldn’t believe it. I spent it on a nice meal out and a pretty new dress.

Then, in January this year, I won big. I’d been playing Sapphire Bingo on my phone one Saturday evening, not long after the new year.

‘Shall we go out?’ my sister had asked earlier. We were thinking of going to a local social club to meet up with friends.

‘I’m a bit tired,’ I said to my sister later that day by text. ‘Shall we go out next weekend instead?’ She agreed and we both decided to stay in.

So, in front of the TV, I started playing bingo on my phone, with my partner sitting next to me.

I decided to spend 60p on six tickets. As I played the game, very quickly, one by one, my numbers started to come up and soon I just needed one more number to win the Full House – I couldn’t believe it…

‘I love the excitement in the bingo rooms!’

‘I’ve won £1,000,’ I screamed at the top of my voice when my number was called. I was in shock.

‘Wow!’ exclaimed my partner. ‘Really? That’s amazing!’

Smiles crept across both our faces and we kept looking at my phone to check that it was actually real. But it was – I’d won £1,000. As we clinked glasses later that night, it still hadn’t really sunk in.

I went to bed dreaming about how I would spend my winnings. But as I woke up the next day, the excitement seemed all the more real.

Getting some sunshine

‘What shall I spend the money on?’ I said to my work colleagues one lunchtime. ‘There’s just so much I want to do.’

I could get a new wardrobe, go for a fancy meal, or buy that new telly I had had my eye on, I thought.

But then I knew exactly what I should spend it on – some sunshine. I hadn’t had a nice holiday in a while and wanted to treat myself.

Three months later, in April this year, as I lay in the sun, with my sisters and nieces, I smiled. With my winnings, I’d booked a holiday to sunny Benidorm and I was having the time of my life.

We soaked up the sun in the day and went for lovely meals in the evening. We laughed so much, and it was great to get away for a week and just completely relax.

Some of my friends have signed up to Woman’s Own Bingo now as well and have won, too. I’m so happy for them.

I still can’t believe I won such a big amount – what a nice surprise!

I’ll keep on playing. I just love that buzz of excitement in the bingo rooms!