Where is Basildon's mystery millionaire? (From Echo)

Where is Basildon's mystery millionaire?

1:10pm Friday 4th January 2013 in Local News By Luke Lambert

ONE lucky Basildon millionaire risks losing the six figure sum with only days left to claim the prize.

Whoever the winner may be has until Sunday, January 6 to claim the £1million EuroMillions jackpot or the prize will be given to charity. The winning numbers from the draw which took place on Tuesday, July 10 were XVX189298 but remain unclaimed, with the 180 day deadline looming.

There have been a number of late claims in the last year and one prize was only claimed after a number of appeals in the Echo urging people to check their tickets.

A National Lottery spokesperson commented: “Becoming a EuroMillions Raffle millionaire would be a fabulous start to the year and while there’s still time, there’s still hope that the ticket-holder will come forward and claim their life-changing winnings.

“We encourage the people of Basildon to check and double-check any old tickets, and remind friends and family to do the same. Tickets have been found in the most unusual places - down the back of the sofa, in a car’s sun visor, hiding amidst an overloaded fridge magnet and even under the dog’s bed – so leave no stone unturned!”

The most recent prize not to be claimed was £105,634 on Monday, October 15 2012. The winner was from the Canvey Island and Basildon area and their failure to collect the prize means it is added to the pot of uncollected winnings, which currently stands at a staggering £28billion.

South Essex appears to be a hot spot for lottery winners.

In May, the Echo revealed how cash-strapped single mum Julie Styles, 46, from Stanford-le-Hope had taken home a whopping £1.6million jackpot.

Another previous winner was pensioner Joan Woodland, from Benfleet, who won £6.8million in 1999 only to give all the cash away to friends, family and charities.

Ron Ullah, 61, from Wickford, was also a big winner, landing £5.1million in 2002.

If you think you could be a winner, contact the National Lottery line on 0845 9100000.