Hospital Cooks Quit Work After £25.4 Million EuroMillions Win

Neath Port Talbot Hospital in Wales has been left a few staff members down after a syndicate of kitchen workers won last Friday’s £25.4 million EuroMillions jackpot and immediately quit their jobs. The lucky group of six came forward on Wednesday to be presented with their giant cheque, but admitted that the astonishing success very nearly did not happen.

‘We’d never have won’

This most recent syndicate success is further proof of how playing together can payoff big time, it's a great way to boost your odds of winning, as this fortunate group are now well aware.

The winning numbers of 5, 12, 17, 33 and 41, with Lucky Stars 4 and 9, were picked by 37-year-old Louise Ward. The youngest member of the syndicate, Louise had considered ending her involvement as she tried to save money for her forthcoming wedding. She was left feeling extremely relieved that she had stuck with the group.

“Imagine if I'd stopped, they were my numbers, so we'd never have won,” Louise told reporters at the presentation. “I had 80 people on my [wedding] list and was trying to cut down on the numbers as it was too many. I can now have as many guests as I like.”

Big EuroMillions Win Plans

While five of the women turned up at the hospital at the same time to hand in their resignations, the sixth member, 73-year-old Jean Cairns, had recently retired as a catering manager after nearly four decades in the job. She said that when syndicate leader Julie Saunders came round to give her some important news, she ‘thought someone had died’.

Julie, 56, is now looking forward to going on holiday to Las Vegas to see if her winning streak continues. She said: “I’ve always wanted to go and now I can be a high roller. It has been a dream to play the machines...maybe I'll have another win.”

The other members of the syndicate also have exciting plans for their winnings, which amount to £4.2 million each. Julie Amphlett, 50, said: “I'm already living the dream. I'm going to buy a new house, new car, new handbag, new shoes, absolutely everything. We will celebrate together after the excitement has died down but I think it's time to stop playing the lottery and let someone else have a chance.”

Left behind

There are now 12 team members left on the Neath Port Talbot Hospital kitchen staff, but they have all insisted that everyone is really happy for the winners. Kay Clark, one of the caterers who was not a member of the syndicate, has had to help cover the extra shifts which now need to be filled. She told The Sun: “The extra money will come in handy at Christmas.”

EuroMillions fans in the UK and the rest of Europe can now look forward to the next draw and the chance to win another big jackpot. Anyone who wants to put themselves in with a chance can choose numbers online or visit an authorised retailer in one of the participating countries.