Such a person is Mrs. Alice Mulvey from Ince, Wigan, who took home an unexpected £45,150 after a £2 investment in a National Bingo Game ticket last Saturday night. So excited was Mrs. Mulvey, 57, that she and her husband Frank, 61, had the neighbours wondering when they danced in their driveway, after Alice came home with the good news.

A patron of Gala Bingo on Anjou Boulevard, Robin Park, Mrs. Mulvey called house on just 44 numbers. This was the equal lowest full house achieved in any of the clubs operating that evening — some 470 venues. Mrs. Mulvey shared the £90,000 national prize with another player from Rhyl, North Wales, who also completed a full house in 44 numbers. To top things off, Mrs. Mulvey went home with the house prize of a further £150.

The mother of three, and grandmother of a fourth in February, was gob-smacked at her win. A twice-weekly player for the last five years or so, she goes to bingo on her own, and was sitting with other regulars when she reached one to go, with just 29 numbers called. Needing only number 85 to fill her card, she had to wait an agonizing 15 more calls before number 85 came up.

When the win sank in, her first thought was for her family. So it’s off to Scarborough on holidays for the Mulvey family — Alice and Frank, their sons Paul (33), Karl (30) and their wives, together with grandchildren Laura (6) and Ellie and Jake (both 3).

After the family celebration, Mr and Mrs. Mulvey intend to invest the balance of the money for their retirement. “We’ve both worked hard but never had much,” said the happy winner. “So we’re going to see a financial adviser, and invest the money wisely,” she added.

Not only a lucky but a wise lady I would say!

Gala Bingo’s Assistant Manager at Robin Park, Mr Gavin Sharpe, said that he absolutely loved it when people won money.