Lotto Winner Enjoys £1.8 Million Jackpot, despite Spending It All
A woman who won her share of a £1.8 million lottery jackpot has come forward to defend her spending choices, stating that she still had a great time despite not having any money left.
Lara Griffiths, hailing from Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, went through all the cash while continuing to work full-time, purchasing secondhand cars, and flying economy. Although some may see her situation as regrettable, Lara insists that she had an unforgettable experience.
Lara recalls the initial feeling of shock and awe when she found out that her ex-husband, Roger Griffiths, had won the money back in 2005. She describes it as indescribable. However, in the 18 years since then, Lara has grown tired of being cast as a tragic figure in her own story.
The 53-year-old Lara has faced criticism for allegedly squandering the money away and being labelled as a silly woman who indulged in plastic surgery and was unable to care for her children properly. But Lara vehemently denies these claims and asserts that she spent the money wisely and genuinely had a great time.
When Lara and Roger were still happily married, they invested in a £450,000 house, a salon worth £150,000 where Lara worked, 30 secondhand cars, and around 15 designer handbags. The experience, for Lara, was both shocking and unforgettable, leaving her unable to differentiate between good shock and bad shock.
Unfortunately, the money was exhausted by 2013, and Lara found herself separated from Roger. She now lives with her two daughters in a four-bedroom house along with her 86-year-old mother, Norma. Lara does not want her daughters to inherit a legacy that involves her lavish spending of the £1.8 million lottery winnings.
Despite acknowledging her mistakes, Lara has spent the last decade ensuring that her children still have a good life. She strongly believes that the lottery did not ruin her life, despite what others may say.
Dr. Nick Powdthavee, an economist who has conducted research on the effects of winning the lottery, notes that the impact on happiness is mixed. A study on British lottery winners revealed positive effects on mental health, while a study on Swedish lottery winners found higher life satisfaction among big winners. However, a Dutch study on lottery winners showed little evidence of a significant impact on happiness.
Lara’s case serves as a reminder that winning the lottery does not guarantee lasting happiness. Despite spending all the money, Lara stands by her decision, emphasizing that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for her.
