First ever UK double Lottery jackpot

Derek Ladner has entered the UK’s lottery record book by becoming the first person to win two jackpots from one lottery draw. The draw was made on Wednesday 11 July and it was announced that there were five winning tickets that night, each netting £479,142.

Derek always plays the same numbers made up from his and his wife’s birthdates, so when he checked the ticket he had bought against the published winning numbers of 3,9,10,12,46,47 he knew that he’d won. It was only when he was checking his wallet however that he spotted a second ticket he’d bought, as he’d forgotten he had already bought one. And, of course, he had played his same regular numbers on this ticket as well. So, once he realised that yes, he’d bought two identical tickets for the same draw, and checked with his wife Dawn, and with Camelot, did Derek finally understand that his absentmindedness had actually won him two jackpots, not one, and a cheque for £958,284.

Now Derek and wife Dawn plan to celebrate their retirement in style with a luxury holiday to Tenerife, home improvements and treats for family and friends. The couple are keen bowls players at Bickford Smiths Bowling Club in Tuckingmill, and supporters of their local Redruth Rugby Club.

- 2/8/07