Care workers net £7m lottery win

The care workers say they will continue working

Nine care home workers in east London have won a share of a £7m EuroMillions jackpot payout.

The women, aged between 43 and 60, work in Upminster, east London, and tried their luck at the EuroMillions for the first time in Friday's draw.

The women, who call themselves A1 Carers, have vowed to continue working at the care home despite the win.

The group's leader Barbara Fogg said she was a "blubbering mess" when she heard of their windfall.

The women, who won £778,000 each, matched five numbers and one lucky star number and won a total of £7,055,142.

I was a blubbering mess after checking the tickets and could barely call the National Lottery line Barbara Fogg, syndicate leader

They received their giant lottery cheque and champagne from the legendary West Ham and England player Sir Geoff Hurst.

The group usually played Lotto together but it was Ms Fogg's son who urged the women to play the £100m draw.

Mrs Fogg, from Purfleet, said: "My son kept on at me about the £100m jackpot, telling me it had to be won that night, until I thought I would call round the girls and see if they fancied having a go.

"I was a blubbering mess after checking the tickets and could barely call the National Lottery line.

"I then made an announcement to the residents and reassured them we wouldn't be all leaving," Mrs Fogg said.

'Great story'

Syndicate member Lee Hill, from Dagenham, said: "We have all been skint but now we are not and they (in the care home) are, but we will look after them."

Another member Pat Cogley, from Romford, a season ticket holder said she hopes to buy an executive box at West Ham.

She said: "I haven't got a clue how much a box is but inquiries will be made, I can tell you. We will see how much they are asking for."

Sir Geoff said: "It's a great story. They are people who have given their lives caring for other people."

The A1 Carers comprise of Pat Cogley, 59, Susan Miles, 55, Stephanie Davies 54, Anne Badenoch, 51, Karen Vaughan, 49, Mollie Sheridan, 59, Susan Turner, 43, Lee Hill, 44, and Ms Fogg, 60.