The Yorkshire couple once lived a peaceful, happy life. Lara was an art teacher, and her husband, Roger, was an IT manager. In October 2005, they won a £1.8 million lottery jackpot.

With the unexpected windfall, the couple's spending spiraled out of control. They bought a mansion, a Porsche, a Rolex watch, designer handbags, and 30 used cars. They frequently traveled to Dubai, Monaco, and New York.

Lara opened a £150,000 beauty salon, while Roger spent £25,000 to reunite his college band. They sent their two daughters to private school at a cost of £10,000 per year.

Lara and her husband Roger Griffiths in Yorkshire (northern England), celebrate winning the £1.8 million jackpot in October 2005. Photo: SWNS

Lara and her husband Roger Griffiths in Yorkshire (northern England), celebrate winning the £1.8 million jackpot in October 2005. Photo: SWNS

Just months after their win, financial disagreements arose. Lara wanted to use the money to pay off their mortgage and invest securely. Roger, on the other hand, wanted to use their assets as collateral for further loans, investing in real estate and business ventures.

"Money highlighted the differences," Lara said. "We became different people and lost connection."

In 2010, a fire destroyed their house and many of their valuable possessions. A few months later, Roger abruptly left, leaving Lara with massive debts. He claimed his investments and businesses had suffered losses due to the 2008 financial crisis.

By the time their divorce was finalized in 2013, they were both penniless.

In the following years, Lara was constantly hounded by debt collectors. She had to sell everything, from her Rolex and designer handbags to her beauty salon and finally, her house.

Overcoming this difficult period, Lara trained as a cosmetic tattoo artist and spent 10 years paying off her debts.

Lara Griffiths, now 50, lives a stable life with her family and her tattoo shop in England. Photo: Glen Minikin

Lara Griffiths, now 50, lives a stable life with her family and her tattoo shop in England. Photo: Glen Minikin

Looking back, both Lara and Roger have bitter reflections. Lara admitted neither of them knew how to manage such a large sum of money. She described her life after winning the lottery as "a living hell."

Roger was ashamed to realize he wasn't smart enough to build a successful career. "Our story is a cautionary tale," the 53-year-old said.

According to Lara, winning the lottery isn't as wonderful as people think. "Most people are disadvantaged in some way and no one sympathizes because you have money you didn't earn yourself," she said. "Money doesn't buy happiness, it only facilitates it."

At 50, Lara has bought a new house and lives with her mother and two daughters. She has also found new love.

"Now I have everything I really need instead of a huge lottery win," Lara said.

Minh Phuong (According to Daily Mail, The Sun)