One lottery winner spent $131,000 every week and made a whopping $50 million of his $200 million.
Everyone hopes to win the lottery one day.
One of the best ways to pass the time is to imagine the significant life changes you could make if you had a large amount of money.
Plus, a substantial amount of money—say, $50 million—should last a lifetime, right?
But it wasn’t always like that, as one lottery winner showed when he managed to blow the ticket with an extravagant weekly spending habit of $131,000!
In 2011, Colin Weir won £161 million ($200 million) on the EuroMillions, making it one of the biggest lottery jackpots ever.
It was the second-largest jackpot ever awarded at the time.
However, it did not lead to a happy ending.
Before Weir died in 2019, he managed to spend a staggering £40 million ($50 million) of his fortune.
This represents a quarter of his massive jackpot in just eight years!
Weir, from Largs, North Ayrshire, was a cameraman for Scottish broadcaster STV until he began living the life of a billionaire.
His wife was psychiatric nurse Christine, whom he later divorced in 2018.
According to Weir’s death certificate, he died in 2019 of “acute kidney injury” and sepsis.
His two children inherited the rest of his vast fortune.
The bank accounts after his death showed exactly what Weir had bought with his money and how he had accomplished so much in such a short time!
His most expensive expenses were luxury real estate, expensive vehicles (including a Jaguar F-Pace SUV, a vintage Bentley Arnage, and many Mercedes cars), and investments in a football team.
Shortly before he died, Weir bought a 55% stake in Partick Thistle Football Club with the aim of returning ownership of the team to local people.
According to The Independent, he also invested in racehorses, owning three thoroughbreds including the Irish mare If You Say Run and the geldings Knighted and Felony.
In addition, Weir has invested in the Weir Charitable Trust, a charity which, according to its website, “aims to support Scottish community groups and small charities to deliver services across Scotland to help the Scottish community”.
He also appreciated the finer things in life; at the time of his death, his jewelry, furniture, and artwork were worth about £212,000 ($262,000).
Weir made significant contributions to the Scottish independence campaign and the SNP.
After Weir died, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon even paid tribute to him, saying she was “extremely saddened”.
“Colin’s generosity and persistence in the cause of Scottish independence cannot be overstated and has been greatly appreciated,” she added at the time (via The National).
“The SNP and the independence movement have lost a true friend today and he will be sorely missed.”
Colin Weir’s story serves as a striking example of how winning the huge lottery can lead to both opportunities and challenges. Despite initial excitement over his £161 million ($200 million) income, his extravagant spending habits eventually caused him to siphon off a significant portion of his winnings.
In just eight years, he managed to spend £40 million ($50 million) at a staggering rate of $131,000 every week. This reality contrasts sharply with the common belief that a large sum of money is enough to ensure a lifetime of comfort and security.
His lavish lifestyle included luxury real estate, high-end vehicles, and investments in a football team, reflecting a desire to enjoy the fruits of his newfound wealth. However, Weir has also demonstrated his commitment to philanthropy and community support through his charitable endeavours, such as the Weir Charitable Trust, which aims to assist local organizations in Scotland. His investments in racehorses and his stake in Partick Thistle Football Club highlight not only his passion for sport but also his desire to give back to the community.
Weir’s death in 2019 marked the end of a remarkable chapter in his life, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to the Scottish Independence Campaign and the impact of his charity work. His story serves as a reminder that while wealth can open doors, it also requires careful management and consideration of long-term goals. The tribute, paid by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, highlights the significant role Weir has played both in his community and in the wider political landscape, showing that true wealth lies not only in financial assets, but also in the positive impact a person can have . to the surrounding world. them.