A 15-strong syndicate of ex-colleagues from Port Talbot is celebrating after scooping a life-changing £1,000,000 in the EuroMillions draw.
The group – dubbed the “Tata Steel Syndicate” – first started playing together while working long shifts in the finance team at the town’s iconic steelworks.
What began as a bit of fun to lift spirits during 14-hour days turned into a seven-year tradition… and now a huge payday.
At the heart of it all is syndicate leader Paul Davy, 61, who kept the group going long after colleagues moved on – sending weekly emails and organising their £5 entries.
He said: “I couldn’t believe it – a message just popped up on the app.
“I thought it must be an error, but then I saw the winning code. I was in complete shock.”
(Image: Matthew Horwood/PA Media Assignments)
The win came via the Millionaire Maker code in the Friday February 27 draw – instantly making every member of the syndicate a winner.
But for Paul, the money is only part of the story.
“This win has given us the perfect excuse to celebrate together properly,” he said. “We haven’t all been in the same room for years.”
Despite going their separate ways professionally, the group remained close – staying in touch through emails, occasional meet-ups and the odd pint.
Now, they’re planning a full reunion to mark the moment their loyalty finally paid off.
Among those celebrating the windfall are Gill Furlong, Christine Davies, Sally Wise, Julie Lambert, Allan Evans, Ian Howells and Raja Prasad – all still living locally.
The group say the winnings will go towards a mix of practical plans and long-held dreams.
Top of the list? Paying off mortgages, dream kitchen renovations, new cars and long-awaited holidays.
For Paul, a return to cruising is firmly on the cards.
“Me and my partner went on a cruise a couple of years ago and loved it,” he said. “So another one – maybe the Mediterranean – is definitely on the list.”
(Image: Matthew Horwood/PA Media Assignments)
The syndicate had always treated their weekly ticket as “a bit like donating to charity with a chance of winning” – a mindset that made the shock even greater when their numbers finally came in.
And while the £1 million prize will be split between the 15 members, the real reward might just be the friendships it has rekindled.
After years of near-misses, hopeful emails and small stakes, their persistence has paid off in spectacular fashion – turning a simple workplace tradition into a story they’ll never forget.
