Time is running out for one lucky National Lottery player to claim a life-changing prize worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. The winner of a Set For Life draw — offering £10,000 every month for 30 years — has only one week left to come forward before the winnings are lost for good.
The winning ticket was bought in Sevenoaks, Kent, and corresponds to the draw held on October 24, 2024. Despite months of public reminders, the £3.6 million prize remains unclaimed.
What’s at Stake?
The Set For Life prize is not a lump sum but a long-term financial reward, paying £10,000 per month for 30 years, totalling £3.6 million. It is designed to give winners ongoing financial security, offering the freedom to cover life expenses, plan for retirement, or simply enjoy financial peace of mind.
But this jackpot has yet to find its rightful owner.
“This is a substantial prize and we’re desperate to find the ticket-holder and pay them their life-changing money,” said Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at The National Lottery.
Winning Numbers and Draw Details
The draw took place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, and the winning numbers were:
- Main Numbers: 2, 11, 29, 37, 45
- Life Ball: 6
The ticket matching all five main numbers and the Life Ball was bought in Sevenoaks, Kent. As of today, no valid claim has been made.
Winners of National Lottery games have 180 days from the date of the draw to claim their prize. This means the final day to do so is Tuesday, April 22, 2025. If no one comes forward by then, the prize — along with any interest generated — will be donated to National Lottery-funded community projects across the UK.
You can find more about unclaimed prizes and claim deadlines on the official National Lottery Unclaimed Prizes page.
Officials Urge Public to Recheck Tickets
In a final push, National Lottery officials have ramped up efforts in Sevenoaks, using posters, social media, and retailer notifications to remind players to search for old tickets.
“We’re asking players to check in coat pockets, bags, down the back of the sofa — anywhere a ticket might be hiding,” Carter added. “Someone out there could be £3.6 million better off and not even know it.”
For those unsure of how to check tickets, the National Lottery offers several convenient options:
- Visit the official National Lottery website
- Use the National Lottery mobile app
- Scan your ticket at a participating retailer
What Happens if the Prize Isn’t Claimed?
If the winner fails to claim by the April 22 deadline, the full amount will be transferred to the National Lottery Good Causes Fund, which supports thousands of charities, heritage projects, and sports initiatives throughout the UK.
Since the National Lottery began in 1994, over £48 billion has been raised for good causes. While this is a reassuring outcome, it’s still a heartbreaking loss for the mystery winner.
How to Claim a National Lottery Prize?
To claim a high-tier prize like Set For Life, winners must:
- Contact the National Lottery directly via their claims line
- Provide the original ticket as proof of ownership
- Attend a meeting with an advisor, where identity verification and financial guidance are offered
Claiming procedures vary depending on the size of the prize, but for substantial wins, in-person verification is always required. Visit the official How to Claim page for full details.
Similar Incidents in the Past
This isn’t the first time a major prize has gone unclaimed. In 2023 alone, over £122 million in National Lottery winnings went unclaimed across various draws. While many are smaller amounts, it’s not unheard of for seven-figure prizes to be forfeited due to misplaced or forgotten tickets.
Players are urged to always sign the back of their tickets and keep them in safe, consistent places to avoid such losses.
Final Call to Action
If you or someone you know bought a ticket in Sevenoaks in October last year, now is the time to act. Check your wallets, drawers, and cars. Ask friends and family. A single piece of paper could mean a future free from financial worry — but only for a few more days.
For ongoing updates or to check your numbers, visit the official National Lottery website.
