The National Lottery has issued an urgent advisory for players to check their tickets before time runs out after a £1,000,000 jackpot remains unclaimed by an unaware winner.
The prize is part of the EuroMillions Millionaire Maker draw held on January 2, which produced ten millionaires across the United Kingdom.
Nine winners have already collected their prizes, but one ticket bearing the code MLMF46017 has not been presented.
National Lottery officials are now appealing to players throughout the Mid Sussex area to thoroughly examine any tickets they may have purchased around the New Year period.
Andy Carter, Senior Winners Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said: “Someone out there has had an incredible start to 2026 and doesn’t even know it – being the winner of a life-changing £1,000,000.
“We are on a mission to unite our lucky winner with their million-pound prize and are calling on people to check their pockets, bags coats – think back to that draw.
“Perhaps you got a EuroMillions ticket on the way to New Year’s celebrations – search through handbags, purses, trouser pockets any purses or jackets that only come out for big celebrations?”
Mr Carter stressed: “Someone who bought a ticket in the Mid Sussex District is now a millionaire and we are desperate to unite this lucky ticket-holder with their winnings!”
The National Lottery has issued an urgent ‘check ticket’ warning
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The appeal comes as Allwyn, which operates the National Lottery, is further intensifying efforts to locate the mystery winner before time runs out.
Every EuroMillions entry automatically generates a unique Millionaire Maker code, printed directly on the ticket.
This particular winning code has remained dormant since the draw took place more than two weeks ago.
Officials are particularly keen for players to recall their movements during the festive period, when tickets may have been tucked away and subsequently forgotten amid New Year celebrations.
A £1million EuroMillions lottery prize sits unclaimed by a winning ticket
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The ticket holder has until July 1 2026, to come forward with their winning ticket.
National Lottery rules stipulate that players have 180 days from the draw date to claim any prize.
Those who have lost their ticket but believe they have a legitimate claim may still contact Allwyn in writing, though this must be done within 30 days of the original draw.
Should the deadline pass without a successful claim, the entire £1,000,000 prize, together with any interest accumulated, will be directed towards National Lottery-funded projects throughout the United Kingdom.
Should the deadline pass without a successful claim, the huge sum will be donated to causes across the UK
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While the search continues, it would not be the first time a huge win took some time to claim.
Earlier this month, a mystery ticket-holder came forward to claim a £15million jackpot prize nearly two months after their winning draw.
Allwyn confirmed that it has received a claim for the substantial prize from the Lotto ‘Must Be Won’ draw held on November 15, 2025.
The operator described the windfall as a “life-changing win” for the fortunate player.