Residents of Chipping Ongar, Essex, are celebrating a life-changing windfall after their street was revealed as the latest winner of the People’s Postcode Lottery’s £1 million Millionaire Street prize. Among the ecstatic winners is Ian Calver, who took home £111,111—despite having moved away from the postcode three years ago.
Ian, 37, originally joined the lottery while living with his nan in Chipping Ongar and decided to keep playing with her address even after relocating 11 miles away to Chelmsford with his husband, Ollie Chivers. His decision paid off in spectacular fashion, leading to an emotional moment as he realized his unexpected fortune.
“When we moved, I called Postcode Lottery to change the address and then thought that I wouldn’t,” Ian shared. “It’s my nan’s house, so I just left it going. The house has been in my life since I was born. I grew up there.” He added that winning with his nan’s address made the victory even more special.
Ian, visibly emotional upon hearing the news, said he was eager to share the excitement with his nan, who still resides in the home. “She’ll be speechless. She’ll be made up and will probably cry,” he said, reflecting on the sentimental value of the win.
The Chipping Ongar community had plenty to celebrate, as six of Ian’s former neighbors also won substantial prizes, with the total jackpot reaching £1 million for the postcode CM5 0BU. Each winning household secured a six-figure sum, bringing joy and financial security to multiple families in the area.
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Matt Johnson was on hand to present the winners with their golden envelopes, congratulating them on their incredible luck. “It’s amazing to see a whole community come together and celebrate such a fantastic win,” he said. “These moments are what the Postcode Lottery is all about—changing lives and making dreams come true.”
Ian and Ollie plan to use the winnings to secure their future and treat their loved ones, with Ian hinting that he wants to spoil his beloved pet dog, Dot as well. “She’s part of the family, so she’s definitely getting something special,” he said with a smile.
With the People’s Postcode Lottery continuing to make millionaires every week, residents across the UK will no doubt be inspired by Ian’s story and the community-wide celebration in Chipping Ongar.