How would £100,000 change your life?
ONE Newbury woman has said that her £100,000 prize draw winnings, which she was presented with in her office by television presenter Keith Chegwin last year, has transformed hers.
On September 14, Suzanne Chenery was handed the cheque after her name was pulled out of the hat in the first UK prize draw of US gaming company, Publishers Clearing House.
Six months later, after the money has cleared in her bank account, the 39-year-old said that the money has meant that her partner, Daryl Smith, also 39, has been able to move back to Newbury from the Scilly Isles, where he was working as a painter and decorator.
And the couple have now made an offer on their first house, something Miss Chenery said they would have never been able to afford before her windfall.
Miss Chenery, who also won £1,500 on the National Lottery 15 years ago, said: “I’ve been über sensible with the money. I know that’s sad to say, but I’ve been in debt all my life, so I wanted to set myself up.
“I’ve paid off all my debts, and my partner’s. I’ve also signed up to an interior design diploma course with the Interior Design Institute. That way I can help with my partner’s painting and decorating business.
“I’ve also used some of the money as a deposit for a house in Newbury. I would have never been in that position before.”
The website designer, who works for Irun Limited, Wantage, has also given some money to her mother, Ann, paid £4,000 for laser eye surgery and bought musical equipment for her band, Everlust.
To watch a video of Miss Chenery receiving her £100,000 cheque from Chegwin, visit www.pchprizes.co.uk/winners-sub