UK ticket-holder claims £24 million EuroMillions jackpot - A look into lottery wins and their impact
The UK ticket-holder who won £24 million in Friday's EuroMillions has claimed their jackpot prize, the National Lottery has said.
They matched all five main numbers and two lucky stars to take home the entire £24,145,749 jackpot.
The winning main EuroMillions numbers were 04, 19, 23, 35, 37 and the winning EuroMillions lucky star numbers were 04 and 08.
On Sunday morning, Allwyn, the National Lottery operator, confirmed it received the claim.
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It will now be validated by ensuring the rules of the game were adhered to and the integrity of The National Lottery is protected.
The prize will then be paid at an appointment with a National Lottery winners' adviser.
Once the money has been sent, the ticket-holder will decide whether to go public.
Unless they announce the news, there will be no information on where the winner bought the ticket, or whether they entered the draw as an individual or part of a syndicate.
Andy Carter, senior winners' adviser at The National Lottery, said: "This is absolutely incredible news and we're delighted that we've received a claim."
"This is the second huge UK EuroMillions jackpot win this month."
"Our focus is now on supporting this latest lucky ticket-holder through the winning process and helping them start to enjoy their truly life-changing win."
Another player won £1 million in Friday night's UK millionaire maker selection, by matching the code MWPC38104.
Mr Carter added: "By playing any National Lottery game, players generate £30 million each week for National Lottery-funded projects."
"This money helps fund projects across the nation, with over 690,000 grants supporting projects both big and small having been made across the UK to date."
How Winners Navigate Life After the Jackpot
Claiming a lottery jackpot like the recent £24 million EuroMillions win can bring about life-altering decisions. While the immediate reaction is one of elation, winners often find themselves grappling with what to do next. The history of significant lottery wins offers insight into how others have navigated their newfound wealth and the impact it has had on their lives.
From deciding whether to remain anonymous to choosing how to spend or invest their winnings, lottery winners often face complex decisions. The stories of past winners shed light on the various paths they have taken. Some have opted to make charitable donations, while others have focused on ensuring financial security for their families. The aftermath of winning the lottery can be as varied as the winners themselves.
Winning the lottery is an unexpected, yet very welcome, surprise that leads to intriguing stories. Here, we took a look at some of the biggest and most memorable lottery wins in history, and how the sometimes-surprising ways the jackpot winners chose to spend their newfound wealth.
What Happens to Lottery Winners
Understanding what happens to lottery winners and the aftermath of winning the lottery provides insight into how winners navigate their newfound wealth and fame. Of our eight lotto winners, some chose to invest in their passions, others supported charitable causes, and many simply looked to secure the financial futures of themselves and their loved ones.
1. Colin and Chris Weir - EuroMillions
In July 2011, Colin and Chris Weir from Largs, Scotland, won £161 million in the EuroMillions lottery, making them the biggest lottery winners in the UK at the time. The Weirs were known for their philanthropy, using their fortune to support various charitable causes, including establishing the Weir Charitable Trust. They also invested in local community projects and donated substantial amounts to the Scottish National Party, reflecting their strong political beliefs.
2. David and Carol Martin - EuroMillions
In January 2016, David and Carol Martin from Hawick, Scotland, won £33 million in the EuroMillions lottery. The Martins chose to share their windfall with family and friends, helping them pay off mortgages and secure financial stability. They also contributed to local causes, emphasizing the importance of community support and maintaining strong personal relationships amidst their newfound wealth.
3. Jane Park - EuroMillions
Jane Park from Edinburgh was just 17 years old when she won £1 million on the EuroMillions in 2013. As one of the youngest lottery winners, her story attracted significant media attention. Park initially indulged in luxury purchases, including designer bags, a customized car, and cosmetic procedures. Over time, she began to speak openly about the challenges of sudden wealth and shifted her focus to more thoughtful spending and charitable work.
4. Tom Naylor - National Lottery
Tom Naylor, a former builder from Derbyshire, won £15.5 million in the National Lottery in 2001. He invested his winnings in his passion for football by buying a local football club, Ilkeston Town FC. Naylor's investment helped the club thrive and provided a boost to the local community. His story is a testament to how personal interests and community support can intertwine with newfound wealth.
5. John and Alison Doherty - National Lottery
John and Alison Doherty from Northumberland won £14.2 million in the National Lottery in 2016. The couple invested part of their winnings in a holiday home in Spain and indulged in luxury travel. They also focused on enjoying simple pleasures, such as buying a new caravan for UK holidays and supporting their family. Theirs was a balanced approach to spending. highlighting the joy that can be found in both extraordinary and everyday experiences.
6. Frances and Patrick Connolly - EuroMillions
On New Year’s Day 2019, Frances and Patrick Connolly from Northern Ireland won £115 million in the EuroMillions lottery. The Connolly’s quickly made a list of 50 friends and family members to share their winnings with, focusing on spreading joy and security to those around them. They also established charitable foundations to support local initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to philanthropy which continues to this day.
7. Gillian and Adrian Bayford - EuroMillions
In August 2012, Gillian and Adrian Bayford from Suffolk, UK, won £148 million in the EuroMillions lottery. The couple, who owned a music shop, used their winnings to buy a new home and secure their children's future. They also indulged in their passion for music and film memorabilia, investing in rare and unique items. Despite their subsequent separation, both continued to live comfortably and support various charitable causes.
8. Steve and Lenka Thomson - EuroMillions
Steve Thomson, a builder from West Sussex, and his wife Lenka won £105 million in the EuroMillions in 2019. Despite their newfound wealth, Steve nobly continued working so that he could fulfil his commitments to clients. The couple focused on practical investments, including buying a new home and ensuring financial security for their children. They also looked to improve their local environment, by donating significant sums to many local charities.
Charity, Investment and Indulgence!
These memorable lottery wins highlight the diverse ways people choose to handle their good fortune, from charitable giving and community support to personal indulgences and practical investments. Each winner's story offers a unique glimpse into the myriad possibilities that come with an unexpected windfall.
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