Ten hospital workers share £500k Thunderball win

A group of hospital workers have won £500,000 on the National Lottery's Thunderball game.

The 10-strong syndicate, from the Bournemouth area, matched five numbers and the Thunderball in the draw on Wednesday, meaning they will get £50,000 each.

The group have played together for about a decade and said the money would "make such a difference" to their lives.

The syndicate leader, who has chosen to remain anonymous, said: "We play lucky dip numbers every week and are so glad we have kept the syndicate going. Winning was a euphoric feeling."

They added: "This is going to make such a difference to the lives of hardworking people.

"Some of our members are planning to book holidays, or upgrade flights, and will be able to turn left on the plane instead of right."

Andy Carter, a senior winners' advisor at lottery operator Allwyn UK, congratulated the syndicate.

"Ten years of playing has really paid off," he said.

"We hope they enjoy their well-deserved holidays and other treats."

The National Lottery said players help raise about £33m a week for projects across the UK, with more than £53bn raised for good causes since the lottery began.

The main draw began in 1994 and Thunderball was introduced in 1999.

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