A National Lottery player in Kent has just hours left to claim a prize of £10,000 a month for the next 30 years. The winning ticket, purchased in Sevenoaks, contains the numbers 2, 11, 29, 37, 45 and the Life Ball 6. The draw took place in October 2024, and the 180-day claim period expires on 21 April 2025.
Kathy Garrett, a winners' advisor for Allwyn, the National Lottery operator, urged people to check their tickets. 'Rummage through your warm coats and double-check that this winning ticket hasn’t inadvertently been stowed away with your hats, scarves and gloves,' she said. A giant replica of the winning ticket was placed at Sevenoaks train station in March to raise awareness.
If the prize remains unclaimed, the money plus interest will go to National Lottery-funded projects across the UK. Allwyn stated that over £30 million is raised weekly for community projects. Players winning more than £50,000 must claim in person with the ticket and proof of identity within 180 days, though contacting Allwyn before the deadline grants an extra seven days.
In October 2024, £2.35 million in unclaimed prizes remained outstanding, including in Bromley, Lambeth and Birmingham. Ms Garrett noted that unclaimed millions are not uncommon, citing a builder who claimed a £50 million ticket days before expiry after finding it in his van's sun visor.
