A woman who became Britain’s youngest National Lottery winner – and then frittered most of it away – says she prefers life now with less wealth.
Callie Rogers was 16 when she won £1.9 million. She spent money on parties, holidays and beauty products, in an effort to find happiness.
But it didn’t work, and eight years ago she even tried to commit suicide.
Never
Callie, who is now in her twenties, said about her winnings: “Even if you say your life won’t change, it does and often not for the better.”
She went on holiday to the Bahamas and Mexico, had regular hair and nail treatments and would get limousines for parties with friends.
But, speaking to Closer magazine, she said: “I hoped these things would cheer me up, but they never did for long.”
Guilty
In 2005 she tried to commit suicide, but her family found her and took her to hospital.
She said: “I tried counselling, but didn’t get on with it. I felt guilty, like I shouldn’t be unhappy when I was so rich.”
Now she lives with her boyfriend and three children and says: “I have just £2k in the bank – Paul works and I’m mostly a stay-at-home mum, but also work two days a week as a carer for the elderly.
Save
“We’re a normal family and save. The pressure to splash out and live a glam party life has gone – and I prefer it.
“We shop at Tesco, save for holidays and stay in with takeaways.
“My life revolves around the kids and, if they want something expensive, they wait for birthdays and Christmas.
Value
“I’m glad they’ll grow up knowing the value of money. The older kids don’t remember having more, so they don’t miss anything.”
Callie, who lives in Cumbria, says she’s now doing an NVQ in caring and starts college training to be a nurse next year.