Somerset family almost lost £1m winnings after ignoring National Lottery’s calls

13 Aug 2026 • 4:57 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Somerset family almost lost £1m winnings after ignoring National Lottery’s calls

  • A Somerset family have claimed a £1 million Lotto jackpot after ignoring calls and emails from the National Lottery for nine days, believing they were spam.
  • Builder Mark Jefferson, from Ilminster, set up the syndicate with his wife Naomi and their four adult children less than a year ago to celebrate his birthday.
  • The family matched five main numbers and the Bonus Ball in the draw on 24 June, using winning numbers chosen by daughter Alexandra.
  • Mr Jefferson admitted he was in tears when he finally answered the phone and discovered his family had won the life-changing prize.
  • The jackpot will be shared among the family, who plan to buy a convertible, purchase a caravan on the south coast, and go on a holiday abroad.

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