A 46-strong worker syndicate landed a £159,000 Euromillions lottery win - weeks after being told they will lose their jobs.
The syndicate was set up last month by staff at logistics firm Crystal Martin after bosses announced the closure of its warehouse this summer.
Incredibly within weeks they matched five numbers and one Lucky Star to bag a £159,609 payout - £3,469 each.
The syndicate members have had to put their celebrations on ice because of the coronavirus outbreak.
But yesterday they vowed to hold a “massive party” once restrictions are lifted across the UK.
Warehouse senior supervisor Craig Rowland was enjoying a curry with work colleagues on March 6 when he discovered they had won.
“I checked the numbers on the National Lottery App and then phoned my wife Natalie who was at home to scan the tickets,” he said.
“I had four of the syndicate with me and they were all asking me while I was on the phone if we had won and how much.
“We were all gobsmacked but didn’t want to get too excited as the ticket hadn’t been checked.
“We have a giant bottle of champagne which has enough for a glass for every syndicate member.
“It’s important we all keep a safe distance at the moment. We will keep washing our hands for the time being and save our celebration for later.”
Dad-of-two Craig, from Mansfield, Notts, plans to spend some of the winnings on a new cooker door.
“The hinge has been broken for a while and I’ve just never got it sorted,” said the 40-year-old.
“The rest of the money is going into a special pot because we are hoping to move home in the future.”
He bought the winning lucky dip ticket at his local Tesco Express and dished out each syndicate member’s winnings in an individual cheque.
“I ordered a couple of cheque books and when the money cleared in my account, spent the evening writing them all out,” he said.
“It may sound a bit old-fashioned to write a cheque, but it seemed more personal.
“We are all gutted about the closing of the warehouse but the win is great news for a great bunch of people who I know will all find new jobs.
“The win couldn’t have come at a better time.”
His colleague and fellow syndicate member Denise Marshall, 59, also from Mansfield, watched the draw live online.
She said: “I started to panic, thinking is this really true? It’s great timing, everybody is so pleased.
“It gives me a financial comfort blanket until I work out what to do with it, but I will be treating my four grandchildren.”
Lynne Halsam, 45, from Morton, Derbys, added: “After a difficult time at work recently, the whole place is buzzing.
“The first thing I’m buying is a new living room carpet.”
