Ryanair, Europe’s No. 1 airline, today (14 May) announced the lucky winner of its 2026 annual ‘Win A Million’ charity scratch card draw, who walked away with a life changing cash prize of €500,000.

Longstanding Ryanair customer, Helen Swindells from Liverpool, joined the Ryanair team at Slane Castle, Co. Meath, Ireland on Wednesday (13 May) to play for a whopping sum of €1 million, having purchased a winning €2 Ryanair Charity Scratch Card on a flight from Krakow to Liverpool in May 2025.

Ms. Swindells bought the Ryanair Charity Scratch Card in support of UK charity, Naomi & Jacks – an independent charity that provides expert care for over 600 seriously ill babies, children and young adults. Naomi & Jacks is just one of the 13 amazing charities across Europe that benefit from Ryanair’s Charity Scratch Card programme. Ms. Swindells had no idea at the time that purchasing this €2 Ryanair Scratch Card would lead to her winning an extraordinary €500,000, as part of Ryanair’s annual ‘Win A Million’ event.

Ryanair’s Charity Scratch Card programme not only supports incredible charities across Europe, but also offers passengers the chance to win a range of prizes, including:

• €10,000 cash prizes
• A brand-new car
• Ryanair onboard spend credit
• Chance to qualify for the annual “Win A Million” grand prize draw

Speaking at Ryanair’s ‘Win A Million’ event, Helen Swindells said:

“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 Krakowthat I would purchase a winning Ryanair Charity Scratch Card. I only bought the scratch card because I wanted to support Naomi House & Jacksplace. It was only €2, so I thought ‘why not?’. Little did I know that I’d win and have the opportunity to got 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!”

Remarking on the phenomenal win, Ryanair’s Aoife Greene said:

“We are delighted for Helen on her incredible €500,000 Ryanair “Win a Million” win. 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.”