I tried to claim my wife's premium bonds winnings after she died… but was ... trends now
A 79-year-old grandfather has been left devastated after he tried to claim his wife's premium bonds winnings when she died and was told they had expired - as figures reveal more than two million prizes remain unclaimed in the UK.
Brian Phillips, a grandfather-of-five from Brentwood, Essex, lost his wife of 53 years Georgina Phillips on May 9, 2019.
For more than two decades she had invested £1,000 in premium bonds and two years after she died she won four £25 prizes.
Mr Phillips, a former docker, described how at the time he felt it was her way of looking out for him in heaven after she passed and he was overjoyed that she had won.
However, after attempting to withdraw this prize money in March this year, he was told he was not entitled to the money as it was not won in the twelve months after her death - the time period which premium bonds are held for after someone passes away.
Brian Phillips, a grandfather-of-five, pictured with his wife Georgina Phillips who passed away on May 9, 2019
Mr Phillips and his wife, both from Brentwood, Essex, got married in 1966
'I rang up and I was told there were four wins which I was not entitled to. I couldn't believe it - talk about kicking a person whilst he is down,' he said.
'I know that it wasn't a lot of money, but I just can't believe they would do that to someone who is in the process of grieving.
'Where is the compassion? Where is the heart for something like this?
'It was a special moment for me thinking that my late wife had won the prizes, but to then be told that. I had no idea, they gave us absolutely no warning.
'I'm sure
