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 claimed the latest EuroMillions jackpot.
SWNSDebbie and Richard holding their £61million lotto cheque[/caption]
SWNSThe couple were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary when they were told about their win[/caption]
SWNSThe pair now plans to retire early and enjoy a second home in Portugal[/caption]
Now Paul, who hasn’t seen his former wife for 30 years, has told how he’s been forced to beg for a donation.
He told the Mirror: “She can donate some of her winnings to me if she likes. I’d be very grateful!”
Paul was barely able to recognise after she appeared on the news holding a cheque for £61million.
“She looked a lot different but she did look slightly familiar,” he said.
Back in the day, Paul who worked 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 believes his decision to separate from Debbie was rather a terrible 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 Richards, 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 kids and grandkids.
They have reportedly splashed some 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 now can’t find love.
Due to their divorce, Adrian was forced to split the winnings equally with Gillian.
Gillian revealed that she wished she had never gone public after Adrian’s winning ticket struck gold, in an exclusive interview with The Scottish Sun last year.
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.