Current:Home > FinanceEuroMillions lottery winner: I had to cut off 'greedy' family after $187 million jackpot -RiseUp Capital Academy
EuroMillions lottery winner: I had to cut off 'greedy' family after $187 million jackpot
View
Date:2025-04-28 01:17:11
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! (43114)
Related
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Plan to boost Uber and Lyft driver pay in Minnesota advances in state Legislature
- Joey Logano dominates NASCAR All-Star Race while Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fights Kyle Busch
- Man City wins record fourth-straight Premier League title after 3-1 win against West Ham
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- Taylor Swift performs 'Max Martin Medley' in Sweden on final night of Stockholm Eras Tour: Watch
- Taylor Swift performs 'Max Martin Medley' in Sweden on final night of Stockholm Eras Tour: Watch
- Wolves reach conference finals brimming with talent and tenacity in quest for first NBA championship
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Disturbing video appears to show Sean Diddy Combs assaulting singer Cassie Ventura
Ranking
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Man wins nearly $2 million placing $5 side bet at Las Vegas casino
- Kevin Costner gets epic standing ovation for 'Horizon: An American Saga,' moved to tears
- 'Stax' doc looks at extraordinary music studio that fell to financial and racial struggles
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Sean Diddy Combs Breaks Silence About Video Appearing to Show Him Assault Cassie
- Biden will deliver Morehouse commencement address during a time of tumult on US college campuses
- Did you know Paul Skenes was an Air Force cadet? MLB phenom highlights academies' inconsistent policy
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
OG Anunoby and Josh Hart are in the Knicks’ starting lineup for Game 7 against the Pacers
Harrison Butker decries diversity, but he can thank Black QB Patrick Mahomes for his fame
Bernie Sanders to deliver University of New England graduation speech: How to watch
Small twin
3 killed in western New York after vehicle hit by Amtrak train
The Midwest Could Be in for Another Smoke-Filled Summer. Here’s How States Are Preparing
Los Angeles police officer injured when she’s ejected from patrol vehicle after it’s stolen