Current:Home > FinanceEuroMillions lottery winner: I had to cut off 'greedy' family after $187 million jackpot -Thrive Financial Network
EuroMillions lottery winner: I had to cut off 'greedy' family after $187 million jackpot
View
Date:2025-04-13 19:21:06
The winner of a $187 million EuroMillions lottery jackpot in 2012 said she no longer speaks to her family after giving them $25.3 million.
Gillian Bayford, the Scottish lottery winner of the £148 million EuroMillions jackpot, severed family ties after Bayford said they tried to take advantage of her generosity, according to Mirror UK.
After winning the life-changing prize, she claimed that she immediately started paying off the $884,684 debts that her father and brother owed. However, in 2016, she said that while the money was "supposed to make everyone happy," it had "made them demanding and greedy," she told the Sun this month.
Bayford said her parents were living in a caravan at the time of her win. She gave them money to buy a place in Carnoustie, eastern Scotland, but then her brother Colin asked for more money.
"They [my family] have lost touch with where they've come from," had told The Sun. "They're rubbing people's noses in it by flashing their cash, which I think is downright nasty."
Backstory of the 2012 win
In 2012, Adrian and Gillian Bayford hit the headlines as the winners of a $187 million EuroMillions jackpot. However, after their win, the couple was inundated with requests for money from strangers who had read about their good fortune.
After a year, Bayford made headlines again as she separated from Adrian. They attributed the end of their nine-year marriage to the pressures of their massive lottery win. However, they parted ways on friendly terms and decided to divide the winnings equally.
Bayford met her new partner, Alan Warnock when she and Adrian visited an Audi dealership to buy five luxury cars for herself, her parents, her brother, and his girlfriend, per the DailyMail.
More winners:Michigan man says he'll live debt-free after winning $1 million Mega Millions prize
What's going on with Bayford today?
Despite her generous gift and bailing them out of debt, Bayford revealed this month that she and her family are no longer speaking.
"That was the first thing we paid for," Bayford told the Sun. "Adrian's family had to wait weeks, but my parents and brother were first. They got their cars and houses before anyone."
After lending money to her parents to purchase a new home, Bayford said her brother asked for additional funds to start a playground business. She agreed and gave him $1 million. The brother now lives in a house worth $366,059.52, drives Audi cars with personalized number plates, and even got married. However, he stopped communicating with his sister after receiving the money.
Bayford also told the Mirror UK that her father is attempting to take control of her portion of the inheritance despite her willingly assisting her family with their financial problems. The conflict arose due to an article in the Sun newspaper in which Bayford spoke about her winnings, which caused embarrassment to her parents.
"I can hold my head up because I know I've taken them out of a situation," Bayford told The Sun. "They brought our name into disrespect in the village, and we had people threatening to torch the family house. My dad and brother built up one company after another and then closed them down. I've bailed them out of every debt."
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets in the U.S. can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.
veryGood! (11)
Related
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- In Falcons' coaching search, it's time to break the model. A major move is needed.
- 25 years of 'The Sopranos': Here's where to watch every episode in 25 seconds
- Michigan Wolverines return home to screaming fans after victory over Washington Huskies
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Save 50% on a Year’s Worth of StriVectin Tightening Neck Cream and Say Goodbye to Tech Neck Forever
- Kremlin foe Navalny, smiling and joking, appears in court via video link from an Arctic prison
- A judge has temporarily halted enforcement of an Ohio law limiting kids’ use of social media
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- A judge has temporarily halted enforcement of an Ohio law limiting kids’ use of social media
Ranking
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Researchers find a massive number of plastic particles in bottled water
- South Korean lawmakers back ban on producing and selling dog meat
- Diet for a Sick Planet: Studies Find More Plastic in Our Food and Bottled Water
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Virginia police pull driver out of burning car after chase, bodycam footage shows
- U.S. cut climate pollution in 2023, but not fast enough to limit global warming
- CDC probes charcuterie sampler sold at Sam's Club in salmonella outbreak
Recommendation
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
Olympic skater under investigation for alleged sexual assault missing Canadian nationals
New Jersey’s State of the State: Teen voting, more AI, lower medical debt among governor’s pitches
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, known for quirky speeches, will give final one before US Senate run
Small twin
Armed man fatally shot by police in Baltimore suburb, officials say
'Holding our breath': Philadelphia officials respond to measles outbreak from day care
Michigan finishes at No. 1, Georgia jumps to No. 3 in college football's final US LBM Coaches Poll