Hartlepool radio listener wins £650,000 with Hits Radio after nearly hanging up on Gemma Atkinson
A radio listener from Hartlepool won a life-changing £650,000 in a competition – but almost didn’t pick up the phone.
Jane Oliver, 48, is celebrating winning the huge sum in Hits Radio’s Make Me A Winner competition.
She received the news from radio presenter Gemma Atkinson live on air, but Jane almost ignored the private number call.
She and her husband Steven have vowed to use the cash to pay off their mortgage, and plan to travel and treat themselves while also investing for their future.
“You never believe it will happen and then, it just did,” said Jane. “It still hasn’t sunk in – we’re just enjoying taking it all in.”
Steven, 52, had been entering the online competition for around eight years, but it was Jane who picked up the all-important call.
She said: “Something just clicked and I thought I should pick it up – I wouldn’t normally answer if I was busy.
“I was still connected to the Bluetooth on my motorbike and only just realised, so I was scrambling to pick up the phone.
“Then I heard Gemma’s voice and I knew it was her, although part of me was still thinking it might be a scam.”
Jane remained convinced there must have been some mistake until she got home and had a video call with Gemma.
Her and Steven’s celebrations that night were surprisingly low-key, with a trip to the shop for some beers, followed by a takeaway.
But they soon decided to pay off their mortgage. “That was an absolutely amazing feeling,” said Jane.
“The last few years have been a struggle, as they have been for most people, so to be able to do that is incredible.”
Jane, who works in finance for a multi-academy trust, has no plans of giving up work.
Steven, however, has handed in his notice from his job as a sales manager and plans to become self- employed.
The couple, who have been married for 15 years, also intend to invest some of their winnings, with plans for a new car and also upgrade Jane’s engagement ring.
Some of their winnings will go towards home improvements.
Jane added: “The freedom is a weight lifted off our shoulders and we’re so incredibly fortunate that this has happened to us.”