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.

IN FULL

‘Thank goodness!’: Builder almost misses out on £1m lottery win after ignoring ‘sales’ calls