‘Most wonderful surprise’ as North East grandad becomes millionaire after lottery win

A North East grandad is celebrating after winning £1 million in a National Lottery raffle.

The Tyne & Wear winner landed the seven-figure sum on the National Lottery’s Lotto Millionaire Raffle.

He and his wife are now planning an “exotic holiday” to a destination close to their hearts.

The lucky ticket was part of the special Lotto draw on Saturday, July 4, 2026, which included a raffle code on every ticket.

Ten winning codes were drawn, each worth £1 million.

The winner, who plays online, said: “It’s just unbelievable.

“I had to wait to see the money in my account before I could really let myself get excited.

“To win on the Lotto Millionaire Raffle is just crazy.

“I always thought it would be my numbers that came up trumps, so to win this way has been the most wonderful surprise.”

He initially noticed only a £10 win when he checked his ticket and wondered why he had received an email instructing him to call.

It was only then that he realised he had also matched the millionaire raffle code.

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Abbie Suddick, Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said: “Congratulations to our lucky Tyne & Wear winner.

“He spotted a £10 win and had no idea a life-changing £1m was waiting for him thanks to his raffle code.

“We wish him and his wife a truly memorable holiday somewhere special, and all the very best for the future.”