Kent veteran and wife win £155k after ‘really bad year’

A former sergeant major has started 2026 with his second People’s Postcode Lottery win, this time getting £115,383.

Paul Salt, who received £3,000 in 2018, has won alongside 18 of his neighbours in Greatstone in Kent.

Mr Salt, 74, and his wife Kay had a “really bad year” in 2025 – she was in hospital in Tenerife for five weeks and put into a coma as she had both Covid and bird flu.

“This has really lifted us, and it’s not a bad way to start 2026,” he said.

Mrs Salt, 72, is now back home and walking after being flown to the UK by an air ambulance.

“After everything we’ve both been through, this is just unbelievable. It’s just wonderful,” she said.

Despite having five heart bypasses after having a major heart attack, Mr Salt said he was not slowing down.

“I’m just glad I’m here. I take every day as it comes. We both do,” he added.

The couple’s postcode shared the £1m pot, with each ticket winning £38,461.

The area’s biggest winner, who had four tickets and wanted to remain anonymous, won £153,844.

Mr Salt, who had three tickets, said: “You never think you’re going to win. When I won £3,000, I was really chuffed, but I really wasn’t expecting £115,383. It’s just brilliant.

“I’ve never had this sort of money before.”

The couple have used the money to re-book the trip to Tenerife they never got to enjoy, and they are also planning to treat their family to a holiday that will be picked by Mrs Salt.

Mr Salt said: “It’s going to be a better year. Definitely.

“We’re both in our 70s and this will be our retirement fund, and this sets us up to do just that.”