Patience is a virtue for Northamptonshire dad who has scooped £500,000 Thunderball prize

The lucky winner matched all five main numbers and the Thunderball in the draw on Friday, September 18, securing the game’s top prize.

He had purchased his winning ticket from a shop and had been playing the same combination of numbers since Thunderball launched.

The numbers originally belonged to his late father during his time in the Army, and he continued using them as a way of remembering him.

Now, after years of faithfully sticking with the same numbers, his dedication has finally paid off with a £500,000 windfall.

Speaking about the moment he discovered his win, the Northamptonshire man said he was overwhelmed by the news.

He said: “I just felt shocked. I’ve played since the beginning, and to have won like this has made everything so much easier.

“Using my dad’s old army numbers makes it all the more special, it feels like he’s still looking out for us.”

The winner, who has not been named, is already planning how to spend some of his winnings.

Among his priorities is buying a new car, although he is also considering treating himself to a classic vehicle.

Penny Yeates, winners’ advisor at National Lottery operator Allwyn, congratulated the Northamptonshire father on his remarkable win.

She said: “To land the Thunderball top prize on his late father’s army numbers, played faithfully since the very beginning, is a truly special story.”

The National Lottery says its players generate about £33m every week for projects across the UK, supporting community groups, sport, arts and heritage.

Since its launch in 1994, more than £53bn has been raised for good causes nationwide through ticket sales.