A HASLEMERE nurse had just the ticket on November 19 when she became a lucky National Lottery winner pocketing a sum of £51,601. After being a dedicated follower of the lottery since its launch more than 11 years ago, Roisin Casey, 59, who nurses at Holy Cross Hospital, took home her largest win to date. She has previously won prizes of approximately £100 by always using the same numbers made up of birthdays and anniversaries. Mrs Casey found out she was in the money on the morning after the draw when she popped into Tesco at Lion Green. "I had gone to pick up a couple of things and when I opened my handbag, saw my Lotto ticket and realised I hadn't checked it," said Mrs Casey. "The assistant on the lottery machine said: 'You've won but you need to contact Camelot.' I thought she said I had matched five numbers and won £1,000, so I was delighted. "I went home to tell my husband, Peter, the good news but when we checked the numbers he said we had the bonus ball as well and we had won £51,601. He was absolutely dumbstruck, which is very unusual! I just couldn't believe it, as it was totally unexpected." The cash injection could not have come at a better time in the run-up to Christmas, as it will give Mr and Mrs Casey the opportunity to treat their four sons and eight grandchildren, including the three new arrivals this year. "I am sure that we will have a very nice Christmas now, so it has come in very handy," she added. Originally from Belfast, Mrs Casey is planning to return home to celebrate her 60th birthday with her family in the new year. "I am planning on hitting the shops there for some serious shopping," she said. "I can hardly wait to see my sisters and celebrate my birthday and my win. It's going to be an extra special one." Mrs Casey is also thinking of taking a holiday in America next year. "We have not made any specific plans just yet as we are still getting used to the idea, but I think we are going to be getting a new car. "But I plan to keep playing the lottery until I win the jackpot," she laughed. "When she saw the numbers come up, she nearly passed out," said Mrs Casey's sister, Elizabeth Ross. Dave Kendall, the regional development executive for Camelot, said: "It's a great feeling to win the money. Roisin had almost given up on the lottery but then she won and her whole family is now back playing. The lottery also raises money for a lot of good causes and local charities, so you know your money is going somewhere worthwhile." Tesco kiosk staff Denise Bradley and Sonia Phillips said that it is great to see someone local win so much money, especially with Christmas fast approaching. "I remember she came in on Sunday and it came up on the till for her to contact Camelot. We were shocked and thought 'nice one!'," said Mrs Phillips. "It makes a change really, although we do get a lot of winners on the scratch cards, which is really nice. "For Roisin, it's perfect timing Christmas coming." "It really is a life-changing amount of money," said Mrs Bradley.
