Two fathers from Hertfordshire have won big on the National Lottery within two weeks of each other, scooping a combined total of £549,343.80.
The first winner almost didn’t buy his ticket, but remembered just before the Euromillions draw closed on Friday 30 January 2026. He went on to match five numbers and a lucky star, winning a prize of £199,343.80.
Speaking on his win, the lucky dad said: “It’s just unbelievable! I feel very lucky to have won as I struggled with signal when I tried to put my ticket in for the draw, and by chance, I remembered not long before the draw closed. This win allows us as a family to relax a little more and enjoy life!”
The second winner, a father of two from near Watford, won £350K on Lotto HotPicks on Saturday 7 February 2026.
He said: “I played a couple of other National Lottery games and had some money left over in my account, so I played HotPicks.
“I was at work when I realised I’d won, it was a total shock!
“I never imagined I would win, I’m going to put the prize towards buying a house. This win will really improve our lives.”
Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, congratulated the Hertfordshire-based prize winners, saying, “What exciting news for our two lucky winners! We hope they enjoy treating their families and buying a new home.”
Players can buy and check their tickets online by downloading the National Lottery app or at national-lottery.co.uk. They can also buy and check tickets in retail. Playing online via the app or website means that your ticket is checked, and you get an email notification if you win a prize. You can also scan your retail tickets on the National Lottery app to check if you’re a winner.
Playing any National Lottery game is more than just a chance to win; it’s a way to contribute to something much bigger. Each week, players help generate around £33M for National Lottery-funded projects. With over £53BN raised for Good Causes since launch, this funds hundreds of projects in every postcode area across the UK. From supporting the arts and sport sectors, to empowering local community groups and preserving iconic British landmarks, players’ participation makes a difference every single day.
