Winning the lottery is often seen as a dream come true, but for some, it has turned into a nightmare. Known as the 'lotto curse', many winners have seen their lives ruined by the sudden wealth, with relationships destroyed, fortunes squandered, and even deaths reported.
Jane Park was just 17 when she won the EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle, but she later expressed regret, saying the money brought more problems than happiness. Karl Crompton, who won £10.9 million in 1996 at age 23, saw his childhood sweetheart leave him, and friends worried about his heartbreak.
Margaret Loughrey, who won nearly £27 million in 2013, described her win as a 'nightmare' that 'destroyed' her life. She gave £1 million to each family member but then cut ties with them. She was sectioned, ordered to do community service for assault, and later died alone. Her brother Paul called for jackpot caps, saying ordinary people cannot handle such sums.
Ryan, one of the first National Lottery winners in 1994, scooped £6.5 million but ended up jailed for handling stolen cars and sleeping rough. Colin and Christine Weir won £161 million in 2011 but later divorced. The National Lottery operator Camelot said it offers support and advice to all major winners.
