Kath Main, a mother of two from Pontypridd, South Wales, is poised to receive a £12 million (approximately $15 million USD) lottery jackpot after her winning ticket was mistakenly thrown away by a shopkeeper. The National Lottery operator, Allwyn, has concluded its investigation and determined that Main will receive the prize, contingent on no other claims being made before December 3.
Main, 46, had played her customary lucky numbers—eight, 10, 26, 30, 35, and 42—for a Saturday draw on June 6. She reportedly discovered the potential win hours after the ticket had been discarded. The shop where the ticket was purchased, a Londis in Abercynon, does not have CCTV surveillance as it is currently undergoing renovations, complicating the verification process.
Allwyn stated that it is the only major lottery capable of paying a winner even if the ticket has been lost, provided an investigation confirms the rightful ticketholder. The process allows for payment at the company's discretion after the standard 180-day claim period has expired.
Main expressed anxiety about the waiting period, telling The Sun, "I just feel sick all the time, it's the not knowing and waiting. I'm trying not to think about what I'd do with the money in case I don't get it." She plans to use some of the winnings to travel, including a potential trip to New Zealand for a Lions rugby tour.
This incident echoes previous cases where lottery winners have successfully claimed substantial prizes despite initially losing their tickets. In 2018, builder Andrew Clarke claimed £76 million after finding his misplaced ticket in his van's visor six weeks after the draw. Similarly, taxi driver Amo Riselli secured a £24.5 million jackpot after his ticket was left in his car's glove compartment for two days.