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NHS Syndicate Collect £25.4 Million EuroMillions Jackpot


A group of six NHS workers from Neath Port Talbot have come forward to claim a £25.4 million EuroMillions jackpot. The Welsh ‘Windicate’, known collectively as the Catering Girls, collected their winnings on Wednesday afternoon after landing the enormous eight-figure sum in the draw on Friday 3rd November.

The successful sextet, made up of members Julie Saunders, Doreen Thompson, Julie Amphlett, Jean Cairns, Louise Ward and Sian Jones, all worked together in the kitchens at Neath Port Talbot Hospital prior to their win, however, after securing more than £4 million apiece, the once committed cooks opted to jack in their jobs in favour of living the high-life.

Vowing never to step into a hospital kitchen ever again, the women, who have a combined age of 326, expressed their delight to the media at a special National Lottery event at the Hensol Castle estate in the Vale of Glamorgan. Clan leader Julie Saunders told reporters: “It is amazing,” before adding: 'It's someone else's turn to cook meals and serve them up to patients.”

Despite losing some of their most devoted workers, a hospital spokesman said: “We are thrilled for them - but we will be sorry to see them go. They have done their time catering for our patients now they can look forward to being waited on hand and foot themselves.”

“We've Won the Lottery.”

Jean Cairns recalled the moment she found out about the women’s win. The 73-year-old grandmother said:  'When Julie came to the house to tell me I thought someone had died.” However, the news that was shared was far more joyous: “She told me to sit down and said to me: 'We've won the lottery.' I just could not believe it.”

The syndicate purchased their winning entry from the One Stop shop in Sandfields, Port Talbot and correctly matched the numbers 5, 12, 17, 33, 41 and the Lucky Stars 4 and 9. “I couldn't believe it when I saw the numbers matched,” Julie exclaimed.

Splashing the EuroMillions Cash

Attention soon turned to how the women would be spending their winnings. Julie Saunders, a huge Elvis fan, confirmed that she would be jetting off to yank the one-armed bandits in Sin City: ”I'm already planning a holiday to Las Vegas - I've always wanted to go and now I can be a high roller,” she smiled.

Meanwhile, Julie Amphlett looks set to take a far more materialistic route, telling reporters: “I'm going to buy a new house, new car, new handbag, new shoes, absolutely everything.” However, before the group go their separate ways, they will be planning a celebratory get together: “We will celebrate together after the excitement has died down,” Amphlett smiled.

You Could Be Next

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of these six winners, don’t forget to pick your numbers ahead of this Friday’s draw, when the jackpot will be an amazing £25 million. Choose your EuroMillions numbers online and you will receive a free Powerball entry, giving you a second chance to win big this weekend. Simply tap the banner at the top of this page to take advantage of this great offer. Good luck!

Published: Wednesday 8th November 2017

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