A British woman who managed to spend a huge lottery jackpot with her ex-husband in just eight years says she doesn’t believe the winnings ruined her life.
Lara Griffiths’ ex-husband, Roger Griffiths, claimed the £1.8 million (about $2.2 million) award in 2005, according to SWNS.
She said they spent the winnings on a variety of things, including economy class flights to Dubai, a £150,000 salon where Lara worked, 30 used cars and at least 15 designer handbags.
Lara said she and Roger mortgaged a £450,000 house with the winnings and Roger spent £25,000 on a music career with his college band.
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Eight years later, in 2013, the money was gone. Lara and Roger separated in the same year.
Despite admitting she made a mistake, the West Yorkshire woman is adamant the lottery “didn’t ruin my life”.
“People kept saying I was stupid, bloated from plastic surgery and that I should take my kids away,” the now 53-year-old said, according to SWNS. “But the fact is, I spent it wisely – and I had a great time.”
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While she and her ex-husband were still on the winning side, Lara quit her £40,000-a-year job as a teacher.
Roger also left his job as an IT manager, where he had a slightly lower salary, The Daily Mail registered in 2013
According to SWNS, Lara then went to work full-time in the salon they bought, in which she allegedly did not pay her salary.
Now Lara and her daughters Kitty (16) and Ruby (19) live with Lara’s 86-year-old mother Norma.
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Lara said she is “sick of being portrayed as tragic” and insists she and her husband “didn’t waste money” when they had it.
“I’ve spent the last 10 years making sure my kids have a good life regardless [mistakes made]”, she added, according to SWNS.
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Source: HIS Education