Grieving son finds winning lottery ticket of mum who died days before draw (2025)

Liam Carter's mum Anne tragically passed away earlier this month (Image: AL)

Liam Carter, 34, from Aberdeen, uncovered a winning lottery ticket while sifting through his late mother's belongings. Anne Carter, who passed away at the age of 67, left behind more than just memories; tucked away in her kitchen drawer was a EuroMillions ticket for the draw on Friday, April 18—just two days after her death on April 16.

The emotional discovery was heightened by a note in Anne's handwriting on the ticket, which read "don't forget"—a message that Liam now cherishes as her last parting gift, according to AberdeenLive.

Liam recounted the moment: "It was in her handwriting - she'd written 'Sat draw – don't forget!' on the front."

Compelled by a hunch, he checked the ticket with the National Lottery app and was prompted to call the official line for confirmation. The call, made on Saturday, revealed that the ticket had matched five main numbers—20, 27, 35, 39, and 48—missing the two Lucky Stars, 03 and 08, by a whisker.

In an interview with Playcasino.com, Liam expressed his disbelief: "When they told me it was worth £18,043, I just froze. I must've gone quiet on the phone. It didn't feel real. She never won anything big in her life - and now this.", reportsThe Daily Record.

Liam revealed his heartfelt lottery win anecdote, where his mother had consistently played the lottery every week, saying, "She always said if she ever won, the money would be for me," and expressed that this unexpected win felt like her parting legacy: "And even though she never knew about this win, it really felt like something she left behind for me. Like one final gift."

He aims to use the winnings as a deposit on a flat, a dream his mother encouraged him to pursue.

A spokesperson for Playcasino.com commented on the emotive narrative, remarking, "Liam's story shows that the lottery isn't just about money - it's about meaning. In this case, a forgotten ticket became something powerful and emotional."

The spokesperson highlighted the serendipitous nature of Liam's windfall, noting, "It's a reminder that even the smallest moments can carry the biggest impact."

To guide lottery enthusiasts, the spokesperson from Playcasino.com shared three sage pieces of advice: meticulously check your tickets before tossing them out, store them in an identifiable place, and recognise that crucial moment to contact the lottery officials.