I missed out on £61m EuroMillions lottery win after heartbreaking decision – now I’m forced to ask for donations
A MAN has told how a heartbreaking decision saw him miss out on a mammoth £61million lotto win.
Paul Ridge, 76, was forced to watch from the sidelines as his ex-wife Debbie Nuttall, 54, claimed the latest EuroMillions jackpot.
Paul barely recognised Debbie as she appeared on the news holding a cheque for £61million.
"She looked a lot different but she did look slightly familiar," he said.
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Paul, who used to work as a DJ, wed Debbie after a "whirlwind romance".
The pair got married in 1992 in a register office - but the relationship did not last long and they split within a few weeks.
And now Paul has told how the decision to separate from Debbie was a huge mistake, costing him a whopping £61million.
"We all make mistakes, it is life," Paul said.
"I have no hard feelings. I wish her all the best.
"Good luck to them. I’m sure they will enjoy themselves spending it."
Paul's wife Paula added: "Congratulations [to Debbie]. All the best!"
Debbie and her husband Richard, an accountant, were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in Canary Island when they learned they had won the jackpot.
The pair quickly flew back and confirmed their win, before going out for a breakfast celebration with the entire family.
Debbie and her husband now plan to retire early - and buy a second home in Portugal to spend more time with their grandchildren.
Now they have reportedly splashed a chunk of money on a shiny new BMW X5.
Meanwhile, a lucky man who won £148m in the EuroMillions lottery but then split with his wife and lost a fortune can't find love.
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She explained that the whirlwind around the big win cost the couple their marriage.
Since then, Adrian has been dumped three times, leaving his ego bruised and his bank balance dented.