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National Lottery Draw: Mystery Over Winner Of £33m Jackpot Deepens As Money Goes Unclaimed

Someone In Britain Has Won £33m.. But Doesn't Know It Yet
Aubrey Allegretti
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The winner of the remaining £33 million half of the UK's biggest-ever Lotto jackpot has still not come forward, well over a week after the headline-grabbing draw.

A Camelot spokeswoman confirmed no one had yet lodged a claim for the money, but added: "We've had people come forward in the second week – that's not uncommon – but we have no update as yet."

The lottery operators will release information about where the winning ticket was bought, probably after this weekend but within 25 days of the draw, in an effort to jog memories and unite the life-changing prize with its owner.

However, as early as last week, a Camelot spokesman said it was "highly unusual" that no one had come forward following the level of hype and excitement around this particular draw.

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The clock is ticking, as the winner has 180 days from the date of the draw to claim the prize. If it remains unclaimed, the £33 million will go to National Lottery projects.

David and Carol Martin, both 54, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, celebrated winning the other half of the jackpot amid a flurry of media attention last week.

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David and Carol Martin celebrating with their new fortune

The couple's win has also catapulted them to the top of the Lotto rich list.

As well as unveiling details of some initial spending plans, and their hopes for an early retirement, they hinted they may look to help some of those affected by the floods which hit the UK recently.

Mr Martin said: "We don't have all the answers yet but we'd like to help our closest friends and family, and there are charities which are important to us too.

The winning numbers were 26, 27, 46, 47, 52 and 58. The total jackpot of just over £66 million was the result of 14 rollovers.

"Parts of our community have also been hit by flooding and we know lots of people who have struggled in recent times, so there's a lot for us to work out, but it's a nice problem to have."

Though they were not personally flooded, the care home Mr Martin's employers work for works for had to be evacuated. Mr Martin works for a provider of specialist equipment to the disabled and elderly and Mrs Martin works for a local Boots.

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