Tuesday 16 July 2013

Britain's youngest lottery winner reveals how she's now broke - but happy.

Callie Rogers
Callie Rogers, 26 (pictured left today) gave up her job as a checkout girl and spent most of her £1.9million prize money on parties, drugs, cosmetic surgery, holidays and gifts. Ten years on, she has just £2,000 in the bank and is training to be a nurse in Cumbria. The mother-of-three said she was too young to deal with her winnings and she prefers leading a humble life. She was 16 (top right and below) when she matched all six numbers to become Britain's youngest lottery winner.At 16 she became Britain’s youngest lottery jackpot winner, but her £1.9million prize proved more of a curse than a blessing.
Callie Rogers gave up her job and frittered most of her money on parties, drugs, cosmetic surgery, holidays and gifts.
Ten years on, Miss Rogers has only £2,000 left in the bank – but says she has never felt happier.
For instead of bringing happiness, her riches left her feeling so lonely and vulnerable that she attempted suicide.
Now the 26-year-old is training to be a nurse and shops for bargains in Tesco. The closest she comes to splashing out is ordering a Friday night takeaway.
She lives in a modest £80,000 three-bedroom house in Workington, Cumbria with her partner, fireman Paul Penny, 34, and son Blake, one. 
Her new life has not been free from tragedy, however – Blake was one of twins but his brother Mason was stillborn. Miss Rogers, who has two children aged eight and six from a previous relationship, said: ‘I can’t believe ten years have passed since I stood holding that huge cheque.
‘It feels like a lifetime ago. I was too young to win the lottery – I don’t think 16-year-olds should be eligible.
‘It was too much money for someone so young. Even if you say your life won’t change, it does – and often not for the better. It nearly broke me, but thankfully, I’m now stronger.

No comments:

Post a Comment