Nigel was 42 and lived in Great Harwood – near Blackburn, for those who don’t know the north of England too well. A modest home for a modest man.
Nigel was married to Jane (a teacher) a couple of years, and they were trying for their first child.
That morning, Jane was struck by the very bus that took her to work every day.
It was her last day.
It was their last day.
Nigel cried for weeks into soaking wet pillows, listening to their favourite songs and drowning himself in supermarket pale ale. It was sleep of a kind – a kind you don’t get rest from – a kind it’s hard to escape from.
He had grown up in a privileged home ….the family home in Prestbury had a mile-long driveway – filled with beautiful cars and hangers-on.
Hillbury was in the family for generations.
But the most privileged part of Nigel’s childhood were not the riches of his family’s estate. They were his Mum and Dad.
They were parents who cared, parents who were attentive to Nigel’s experience of life … and in the end afforded Nigel a five-star education.
December 2nd, 2022, Jane woke Nigel at 4.30am to tell him that his phone had been buzzing non-stop on his bedside locker.
“I don’t know that number.”
“Hang on, I’ll Google it.”
“Prestbury Police … really!”
Nigel dialled as quick as his finger would allow him.
“Prestbury Police,” a voice said.
“Yes, yes, I just missed a call.”
“Name, please!” the voice interrupted.
Followed by an abrupt “One moment” – and a dialling tone.
“Sergeant Grimes speaking,” a woman answered.
“Yes, I missed a call from…”
“Nigel Hayworth?” the voice interrupted.
“Yes, why are you … calling me?” Nigel said, alarmed.
“I’m so sorry,” the voice quivered.
“Nigel, we need you to make your way to the station.
“I understand you are across in Great Harwood … is there anyone with you?”
“Yes, my wife. What’s going on?”
“Look, Nigel, it’s best we chat when we see you … can you let your wife drive, please?” she said.
“OK, but…” The call ended abruptly.
The two got in the car – barely dressed for December’s unforgiving chills.
The roads passed like ghosts – some Christmas lights on houses amplifying family and the texture of this unknown journey.
They arrived at Prestbury Police Station, and a yard manager directed them over to an office in the corner. A woman in a long black coat approached the window.
“Follow me,” she said … quickly sitting into an adjacent Audi and reversing fast.
Within minutes they were at the entrance to Nigel’s home estate.
“Oh no,” he said – seeing the road up was crowded with fire engines, police cars and ambulances.
He tried to run into the burning building – but he was held back.
July 22nd, 2026, and Nigel had just finished his last can of Tesco Pale Ale at 9.30am.
He looked outside the living room window – only to see a red bus with a woman smiling back at him – it was a good distance and there were blinds and traffic … but he was sure!
He took his slippers and ran across the road to watch the bus move away – he just couldn’t catch it. He sat on the kerb in despair. With his head in his arms, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
“You dropped this, laddie!”
“No, I don’t,” Nigel said.
“Aye,” the old codger said, “… seen it leave your pocket when you ran just then.”
Nigel took the paper from the smiling man, and before he could thank him – he was gone.
It turned out to be a lottery ticket for that night’s lottery.
Hillbury estate was on the market for 6.5m.
Nigel didn’t win the jackpot – 25 million –
Nigel came second … winning 10 million.
In the months to follow – Nigel walked alone around the family home – but it was strange! The rooms were not the same since the fire. The memories seemed to belong to a different place.
“Would you like more time to think about it?”
“No,” said Nigel, “I won’t take it … I need to go forward.”
Nigel walked outside to his car on the main road and seen a red bus passing by.
The same woman was waving at him – with a knowing smile.
It was Jane, but he knew deep down it wasn’t.
The next day Nigel gifted 8 million pounds to a group looking to build a new school in Great Harwood.

Three years later – Jane Hayworth Comprehensive opened – and a red bus passed by.