Glass factory workers polish up with Lotto win

A team of glass factory workers has defied the odds and proven number 13 really can be lucky for some.

The 13-strong syndicate from Pilkington Glass in Salford, scooped £80,306 in the 13 July Lotto draw and each member will now receive £6,177.38.

“The Pilkington Lottery Syndicate” matched five numbers: 7, 11, 15, 18, 19, and the bonus ball, 25, with a Lucky Dip ticket. 

They have been operating for more than 12 years and this their biggest win to date. 

46-year-old foreman, Michael Swarbrick, from Salford, has run the syndicate since December last year after taking over from the original leader, who retired from Pilkington Glass. 

He said: “I didn’t check our tickets until Thursday morning when I put the TV on and starting ticking off numbers. 

“At first it was three, then four, then five and the next minute I was shouting out to my wife, Sheila, to turn on the computer so I could double check what was in front of my eyes. 

“I called a colleague and told him we had won £25,000, and then five minutes later, he rang me back and told me I had checked the wrong draw and it was actually £80,306 - I was in total shock.”

The syndicate, 12 of whom have gone public, includes: Steve Adams, 43, a supervisor from Salford; Andrew Hurst, 45, a supervisor from Bolton; Malcolm Pritchard, 53, a glass cutter from Swinton; Dave Caine, 41, a glass cutter from Whitefield; Tony Scott, 58, a driver, from Whitefield; Bob Edge, 62, a driver, from Rossendale; Alec Wheeldon, 58, a driver from Salford; Paul Patterson, 42, a loader, from Royton; Kevin Smith, 47, a loader, from Salford; Peter McWilliams, 54, a driver, from Wythenshawe and Jimmy Conway, 49, a works manager, from Failsworth. 

The majority of the winners have decided to use the money to go away on holiday.

Michael added: “My wife and I were not planning on taking the kids on holiday this year, but now we have this money, we will definitely be going away but haven’t decided where yet.

“It’s great to think that the money is there for a holiday and we can treat the family. 

“My son, Sean, has already been to the shops to buy the new Manchester United Kit.” 

The Pilkington syndicate plays the Lottery every Wednesday and Saturday and say they have no intentions of stopping now.

Michael added: “We have already bought our tickets for this week and we are hoping our next win will be the big one.”