A lucky housewife is celebrating a jackpot bingo win of more than £200,000.

And the first thing the kind-hearted grandma plans to do is pay for a much-needed operation for her sister.

Patsy Kalbfell, 65, came up trumps during one of her regular visits to the Colchester Gala Club where she scooped the National Bingo Game Prize of £200,000 as well as a regional prize of £1,473 and the house prize of £244.

Patsy Kalbfell celebrates her bingo win with sister Gill

Mrs Kalbfell, who was this week letting the news sink in with the help of husband Raymond, 65, plans to share her prize with her daughter, Sally, who was with her on Sunday when she hit the jackpot at the Osborne Street club.

But as she waited to hear final plans of when the money will be handed over, Mrs Kalbfell revealed she plans to treat herself and her husband to a holiday in Cyprus, splash out on a new car and pay for the operation her sister Gill needs.

"It was the first thing I thought about really. It is the lovely thing about a win like this because it means we can help our family and friends out if they need it," she said.

Her sister Gill, who faced a long wait for the operation, said she was over the moon with the offer which means she can today book the operation she needs after she fell and broke her hip.

Mrs Kalbfell won the cash having completed a full house in 40 numbers the fewest anywhere across the country.

Published Wednesday, May 21, 2003

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