Three people living in the same Essex tower block are celebrating after winning a share of £1 million.
Martin McBride, 58, said he was “absolutely stunned” to receive a cheque for £333,333 from the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Mark Pearce, 58, who lives five floors down from Mr McBride in the high-rise flats in Harlow, said he thought the win was “a wind-up”.
“I’ve never seen that much money in numbers,” he added. “That’s amazing, absolutely amazing.”
The pair shared £1m with a third person in the same Harlow block who did not want to be identified.
Divorced truck driver Mr McBride, who made his home in the town after being brought up in Northern Ireland, is making big plans for his new fortune.
“I intend to do as many concerts as I can in the next year,” said the dad-of-four.
“I’m already going to at least five, now I’ll have a few more. And when I go, where I’m staying will greatly improve.”
Mark McBride and Martin Pearce, who live in the same Harlow tower block, celebrate their win on the Postcode Lottery. Credit: Postcode Lottery
He’s already booked to attend dance-music gigs in London and Amsterdam, and has his sights on Malta, Belgium and Blackpool.
He added: “I’m determined to make the most of life. One of the fellows I used to work with died last week and he was just 42. I’m going to live life.”
Meanwhile, finance firm computer operator Mr Pearce said: “I’m going to go on holiday. I fancy Malta. I saw it on the TV last night and I like a bit of history.
“There are so many things that I could do with this sort of money. It’s unbelievable. I’m waiting for someone to pinch me.”
He added: “I’ll take some time to think about what I want to do. But it’ll be a nice Christmas for the family.”
But there is one thing the vintage car fanatic has his heart set on.
“I’ve always fancied an MG C sports car,” he said. “I could get one for about £20,000 plus. It’s not too much… I don’t want a Ferrari.”
Martin McBride, 58, won £333,333 from the Postcode Lottery. Credit: Postcode Lottery
The win will also benefit local charities, including the Harlow-based Michael Roberts Charitable Trust (MRCT) which has been awarded £40,000.
It runs the Harlow Foodbank and the Bounty Club which helps provide families with affordable food and saves 300 tonnes of produce from going into landfill.
Andy Thornton, the charity’s chief executive, said: “MRCT are thrilled to have become recipients of funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
“Our work supports over 5,000 people around Harlow each year, enabling them to have the necessary items they need to stay afloat when times are hard.
“Through our foodbank, community supermarket, “Bump to Five” kids’ essentials project and Maybury open door drop-in, we give practical items that stops kids from losing out and adults from losing hope.”
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