'I won lottery but it's ruined everything and wish I could return to old life'

A couple who won the lottery have claimed it “ruined” many aspects of their lives and they now wish they could go back to “the life they had before they won”. Many people fantasise about scooping a life changing jackpot prize on the lottery and all the positives it could bring.

From paying off the mortgage and travelling the world in style, to being able to splash out on swanky goodies and making some major home improvements - not to mention never worrying about the heating bill again; money brings security and freedom.

But one couple learned the hard way that it comes with some downsides, too. Speaking on their behalf, a former schoolfriend of the couple’s children explained the negatives of winning big - and going public with it.

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Taking to Reddit to respond to a post asking lottery winners what it’s really like, they explained: “Someone from my school’s mum and dad won, they told everyone. Got a new house, a new car, new toys, fancy clothes.

“However their downfall was telling everyone - all of a sudden friends and family are hammering their door down for hand outs at all hours of the day and being pretty nasty when they didn’t hand out money to every Tom, Dick and Harry.”

It didn’t stop for months, leading to the couple taking drastic action. The childhood friend continued: “They ended up moving away for six months for a break from it all and not telling anyone where they had gone.

“They did come back but it ruined many family relationships and friendships for them.” The Reddit user revealed the couple went on to say “they wish they could go back to the life they had before they won”.

Fellow Reddit users were keen to share their thoughts on the couple’s situation. Their thoughts were pretty varied on the matter.

One person shared: “If I ever won big I’d get my brother, daughter and her mum and move far away and not talk to my family again, they’re already money hungry.

"I dread to think how entitled they’d be if I won the jackpot on the lottery”.

Another commented: “I don’t know... this is the kind of ‘life ruining’ situation I'd love to be dealing with, I'm so tired of being poor. I think my family and friends are decent enough not to expect handouts but people do get crazy where money is concerned.”

They continued: “I’d probably lie and say I’d won less than I really had because I would want to give some money to my parents, a few family members, and some friends but you kind of have to explain where you got it from.

“If you win millions, it could be a risk sharing the exact amount - people talk and I wouldn't want to be bothered by those I barely know expecting a handout.”

Someone else added: “It’s weird how lots of people can’t help themselves telling everyone they won a lot of money, little to zero benefits to it other than s****y clout”.