A UK woman won £144,000 in the Postcode Lottery days after a life-threatening surgery, bringing joy during a difficult time.

Gail Wood, a 54-year-old fire control operator from Seaton Carew, won £144,000 in the People’s Postcode Lottery on January 12, 2026, just hours after undergoing a major hysterectomy. Believing she might not survive, she had said goodbye to family. While recovering in the hospital, she received a voicemail confirming her win of £12,000 monthly for a year. The prize, awarded to her postcode, brought unexpected joy during a dark time. Her husband had dreamed of winning days earlier. The couple, both public service veterans, plan modest spending and charity support.