Ryanair announced the winner of its 2026 annual ‘Win A Million’ charity scratch card draw this month, and Helen Swindells from Liverpool walked away with a cash prize of €500,000.
Swindells bought the Ryanair Charity Scratch Card in support of UK charity Naomi and Jack’s, an independent organisation that provides expert care for over 600 seriously ill babies, children, and young adults.
Naomi and Jack’s is just one of the 13 charities across Europe that benefit from Ryanair’s charity scratch card programme.
Swindells had no idea at the time that purchasing a €2 Ryanair Scratch Card on a flight from Krakow to Liverpool in May 2025 would lead to her winning €500,000.
‘Over The Moon’
“I’m absolutely over the moon – never in a million years did I think boarding that Ryanair flight home to Liverpool from my holiday in Krakow that I would purchase a winning Ryanair charity scratch card,” said Swindells.
“I only bought the scratch card because I wanted to support [Naomi and Jack’s].
“It was only €2, so I thought, Why not?
“Little did I know that I’d win and have the opportunity to go to Slane Castle with the Ryanair team and participate in Ryanair’s annual ‘Win a Million’ event – an event that has changed my life forever.
“I knew there was a chance to win €1 million, but I just never thought I’d win anything close to that – let alone walking away with €500,000.
“It is completely life changing, and I couldn’t be happier!”
‘Extraordinary Work’
Swindells joined the Ryanair team at Slane Castle, Co. Meath, earlier this month to play for a sum of €1 million.
“We are delighted for Helen on her incredible €500,000 Ryanair ‘Win a Million’ win,” said Ryanair’s Aoife Greene.
“Ryanair’s charity scratch card programme continues to make a real difference to our charity partners across Europe doing extraordinary work for children and families in need, while also giving our passengers the opportunity to win fantastic prizes.”
