Britain's youngest EuroMillions lottery winner has revealed she is planning to take legal action against the lottery for negligence.
Jane Park, who won £1 million (US$1.25 million) at the age of 17, said winning the windfall had "ruined" her life and she often thought things would have been better if she had never won.
Ms Park, now 21, argued that someone of her age should not have been allowed to win such a substantial sum of money. She said 18 should be the minimum age for winning the lottery and suggested the current limit of 16 was too young.
She said she had become bored of relentless consumption and felt like it failed to offered long-term genuine happiness. Before winning the lottery, Ms Park, who now owns two properties, worked as an admin temp for £8 an hour and lived in a small flat with her mum in Edinburgh.
"I thought it would make it 10 times better but it's made it 10 times worse. I wish I had no money most days. I say to myself, 'My life would be so much easier if I hadn't won'," she told the Sunday People.
"People look at me and think, 'I wish I had her lifestyle, I wish I had her money.' But they don't realise the extent of my stress. I have material things but apart from that my life is empty. What is my purpose in life?"
"I think 18 should be the minimum age for winning the lottery, at the least. The current age of 16 is far too young."
Despite the fact that Camelot, which runs EuroMillions in the UK, appointed an adviser to help Ms Park deal with her newly accumulated wealth, she said it was family advice that helped her keep her spending in check.
"I've read about other lottery winners who've just blown it all and I can totally see how it can be done," she said. "I was stuck in front of a financial adviser who was using words like investment bonds. I had no clue what they meant."
Ms Park said it was unsettling how differently her life had turned out from her friends, making her feel isolated.
"It's scary how different my life is from my friends'. When they say they're stressed about the money they mean their wages are s***," she said. "There's no one in the same boat as me, no one who really understands. I feel like I'm a 40-year-old."
A spokesperson for Camelot told The Independent: "Camelot takes its duty of care to winners very seriously and all major winners are offered support and advice for as long as they wish. That support is tailored to each winner's situation and circumstances — and for younger winners, their age will obviously be an important factor in the advice and support offered.
"Following her win, Jane received extensive support from Camelot," it continued. "A dedicated winners' adviser visited Jane at home to pay out her prize, arrange private banking and support her through the publicity when she chose to share news of her win. An independent financial and legal panel was set up shortly after her win and we put Jane in touch with another winner who won at the same age, to share their experience and help Jane adjust to the win.
"We keep in contact with all major winners for as long as they wish and have been in touch with Jane from time to time since her win to offer ongoing support. Of course, it is always up to the winners themselves as to whether they want to take us up that ongoing support and advice — but the door is always open and we will continue to support Jane in any way we can if that is what decides she wants."
Camelot said the minimum age limit to play the lottery was an issue for Parliament to deal with.
"Anyone over the age of 16 can play the lottery, and therefore win a prize," they said in a statement. "Camelot doesn't set the age limit to play — this was agreed at the launch of the National Lottery back in 1994 and so any questions about the legal age to play would be a matter for Parliament."
While most who play the lottery fantasise about the moment of winning the jackpot, the reality of winning can be more complicated. There are numerous stories of lottery winners who have struggled to get used to quitting their jobs and becoming rich overnight.
Callie Rogers, who was 16 and earning £3.60 an hour when she won a National Lottery jackpot worth £1,875,000 in 2003, struggled to adjust to her newfound wealth. She went on a spending spree and is reported to have tried to kill herself.
Ironically, Rogers has said she is much happier now she has spent her fortune. "I don't think of myself as a lottery winner — I try to forget the ups and downs I've been through and just feel like a normal person," she explained in 2013.
"It was too much money for someone so young. Even if you say your life won't change, it does — and often not for the better."
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Thanks to konane for the tip.
Well, apparently she didn't follow the adviser's advise.
The best thing she could have done was invest that money, kept a little each month for play money, and kept her job. When she turned 40, then she could have retired.
My younger daughter is much the same. A snowflake, and doesn't follow advise very well. I love her more than the world, but I came to grips with the fact she has to learn on her own.
OK...give it all back...or what ever is left and we'll call it even...you worthless ingrate !
that sounds stupid as hell give away the money if you don't want it no one told youto play them that need it cant win it now you want to cry what's wrong with you I got bill up a... Give I'll be very grateful
Sooooo...she has a major issue with that much money being handed to her when she was ill-prepared on how to manage it, and her response is to sue the people who handed her that money, for more money. Were I the judge I'd dismiss the case on the grounds that she's still too stupid to benefit from another financial windfall.
She has money, why not spend some of it to go see a shrink to get over whatever her dumb_ss issues are?
She's not turning over her two properties to Camelot and blaming them for giving her the money to be able to purchase them, is she? No. She wants to keep the benefits of the win while suing a company for how awful it is to be young and rich. Yeah, okay.
In 20 years she'll be suing the courts for not stopping her from making a fool of herself with this lawsuit. By then she'll understand why her current comments are the epitome of ignorance and ungratefulness.
Dear Jane,
Look Within: Becoming A Mature And Responsible Adult Starts In Your Childhood with example and education and continues for the rest of your life. Welcome to Life's Lessons!
This is silly. The company that runs the lottery went way out of their way to help her. And her winnings are not that much. All she has to do is buy a house that will appreciate over time, buy some rental property and bank the rest. And she shd go to school or get a job.
Other articles say she has bought a house, designer handbags and implants. She has also gone on vacations and got herself a free loading boyfriend she just got rid of.
She appears to be addicted to attention and will say anything if it gets her in the news: https://goo.gl/WZ2N7q
Five will get you Ten, she is Now a registered democrat.!
it has nothing to do with age, alot of winners alot older have done stupid things with the money and have gone into dept after winning alot more than that.She could have jst put the money in bank account and still worked at same job and had that money for retirement.But like alot of people you take the money and go crazy not thinking of the future and then cry when it is all gone.Did she not read the stories about other winners and how it effects friends/family/relatives if you think age has anything to do with it, then you are wrong. Its the person, you could have made better decisions with this winning and lived happy, yet you blame them for not doing so. Well that was your problem and yours alone, so now live with it. Don't play the lottery or go to casino.
really? Really? REALLY?
No, seriously, Reeeaaallly?
My eyes rolled so far up, I'm seeing the back of my skull.
I agree she had no financial literacy and didn't work to change that.
If you don't now what investments bonds are ( as in no clue what they are, not not being able to rattle off a definition) then you should take that as a sign to make yourself knowledgeable.
And really, like someone else said, it's not a huge amount. In Edinburgh I guess you can buy a property for yourself and buy another as investment for rental income. You would maybe have enough money left for a nice car and a few vacations, that's it! Hardly money to burn.
And then she complains about not having to struggle, really? Again, financial literacy, 1 million pounds don't last a life time. They gave her an advisor, they put her in touch with other winners, she's still doing well financially, what is her problem?
And if she wasn't ready to win at 16 she wouldn't have been ready at 18, 21 or 30 either.
Then why did she play in the first place? She has far worse issues than money, sounds like she needs mental help.
5 will get you 10 that you'd get your knickers in a twist if someone made this comment about republicans, so why do it? What exactly do you think it accomplishes to make inflammatory comments which will only cause yet another thread to descend into yet another bickering match? What benefit is gained from doing it?
It really should not be that difficult for ANY adult here to simply stay on topic and keep it about the lottery
She is in Britain. Not sure they have Republicans and Democrats over there....
welcome to the real world kiddio
In all honesty, she sounds like she needs a shrink. At 21 she still has the mindset of a sheltered, extremely immature child. That's shrink territory.
Her complaints aren't ones that a mature person would recognize as being legitimate complaints. That her friends are struggling financially and she isn't; not a legitimate complaint. That she found out buying things doesn't make her happy is not a legitimate complaint. They're only observations.
In a world filled with starving people, homeless children and medical research in desperate need of funding, complaining about having money is an insult to them all.
She doesn't like having nothing to do, as if a lottery win means one can't find a job or do volunteer work? She's unhappy because she does nothing all day and she found out that being purposeless isn't a fulfilling occupation, but she doesn't have the wherewithal to connect the dots to see that she has the power and the funds to change those things.
Don't Feed (In Your Opinion) the Trolls!
He's been here 9 years longer than I have. That's not a regular troll, that's someone who knows better but still prefers to instigate. I've said nothing about it for years. But it's continued because it's been both accepted and tolerated. Do you really think it would keep happening if it weren't? People get away with what they're allowed to get away with.
I didn't get to read the whole story but when I do I will come it later when I have other things I gotta do right now. What does she mean "ruined" her life? Then again most people who do when a major Lottery don't know what to do with it and it sad.
So then you know also that rather then fuel the flames you should click Report Abuse and allow LP Admin to review the post and determine if said post violates LP Rules and take appropriate action.
Comprehension 101:she is valid in her concerns for age appropriate gaming regulations.
Her coping with wealth has been a challenge. I tend to think she is having to listen alot to misguded opinions.
I plan on hiring a life coach who will put me in touch with a money psychologist among other things that a life coach can do.
I agree with Jane Park that 16 is too young to win a major jackpot. In both Britain and the U.S. But she is going about changing the law the wrong way. She needs political advice.
I agree with the comments about starving children. I will begin contributing to UNICEF like Cynthia Stafford has done all her life.
God bless Cynthia Stafford and Jane Park.
I comprehended her just fine, no need for condescension. Her opinions are her opinions. If 16 is too young then why are the majority of horror stories about winners between 40 and 60?
"Why are the majority of horror stories about winners between 40 and 60?" It is because there are more players who are at that age. It is in the numbers.
It has been said, "Winning the lottery will not grow character but it will reveal it." Possibly by Henry Ford.
I'm asking everyone to kindly refrain from political posts on the forums. I know that there is still a lot of anger and emotion out there, but this is a lottery site -- a website where people should be able to escape politics if they choose.
I don't ban politics: Anyone is free to post political messages in their blog. But on the forums it is all about the lottery. So let's not label people, let's just stick to the topic. Thanks!!
After reading the title of this story l was reminded of the scene in the movie " The Incredibles" where Mr Incredible got sued for saving this guy's life after an attempted suicide and him saying " You ruined my death. " As the British would say " this is plain rubbish. "
Great. Todd comes in, quiets things down, and people have to start right up again. Enough with the personal attacks!
You know what also bothers me how the other woman who won the lottery but she quit her job a week before she hit so how was it possible for everybody to cheer and be like that's awesome no it's not awesome that's a bad game plan.
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I agree, Mr. Todd, and encourage others to also defer to your advice, regarding posting on LotteryPost.com.
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Anyway, if I was her, and I'm glad I'm not, I'd first have to move out of that depressing England. I can't see living there, with all their rain and other gloominess.
But she gripes about the law having changed the age limit of which see was able to successfully have taken advantage.
I get the impression she sees 18 as an ultra-mature age. An age 1 or 2 years older.
What was her complaint again?
She should be going out and around in style, in a new Jag.
Maybe she's just young and over-whelmed. Too bad.
Think of all the people that don't have nearly that kind of loot! (people like me).
And, she wants to sue the lottery, and maybe get even more money? HUH? (sounds like something one of her peers set her up to do.)
I actually wouldn't mind visiting England, briefly, and visit:
I may or more likely may not even visit because of:
It's also the reason I want to leave this East Coast and settle in Californy,
should I win something big. But they too are going crazy.
Nearly fry one year, and nearly drown the next.
She lives in Edinburgh, Scotland which is a beautiful historic city.
10 Downing Street is where the Prime Minister lives.
10 Rillington Place was torn down decades ago.
You want to see Westminster Abbey, The Tower, the Imperial War Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and Hampton Court.
Also, they have numerous walking tours you can go on which are very interesting. Sounds like you would be interested in the Jack the Ripper walking tour.
Aye, be careful of what you wish for lassie
This is akin to letting another immature teenager drive a Ferrari's because he won it.
"Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Eddessa_Knight with Light
Gee Todd- the language l used earlier in my response is found in the Urban dictionary. I meant no harm nor was l Promoting drugs use. Just saying.
What is that quote from the Bible..."If thine eye offends thee, pluck it out"?
If the money is ruining her life, she needs to give what's left to a children's hospital, or better yet, volunteer to work there. That would give her a whole new perspective about thanking her lucky stars she was born whole and un-afflicted...oh, except for having scads of money. What an immature idiot.
I don't feel sorry for her.
Teddy, I think he was joking and you seem to have lost your sense of humor. I would be far more concerned with the few lp nuts who harass and bully others constantly.
And to return to the topic, this young winner should have pursued a degree.
Ding Cuckoo!
Hear, Hear Todd Vader!
Listen to him & have fun with the Lottery!
I despise the entitlement mentality. This woman-child makes my head hurt/hot. The lottery gave her $1.2m approx. and she pissed it away. Now she wants to sue? POOR BABY, not getting any sympathy from this neck of the wood.
She didn't piss it away, she still got much of it, that's the best part! Everything worked out for her and she still complains.
I would file this under #FakeNews! The young woman has been giving interviews to the press every couple of months with the same complaints since she won. Now, we know that the sum she won isnt huge to the point it is truly life changing. She got plenty of good advice from the lottery people on how to handle her money. She has bought a Range Rover, a house, a rental property, and has a job. If you check out her FB page she has lots of friends who all look like her. She is an exhibitionist and enjoys the attention. The MSM is more than happy to oblige her. She's not going to sue. It was just a quip that was jinned up by the press. I'm sure there will be more poor me articles accompanied by photos of her flashing the camera. That is what she does.
@Redd55 shed a lot more light on the subject.
Really?. You must not have been looking in the mirror again. CASE OF THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK, HUH?.
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I tried that once with my eyes. I didn't see anything but darkness and the usual obscure colors,
"that no one knows the names of" (excellent song: 'Wasn't born to follow' by the Byrds)
No, but when I tried that, my eyes stuck there for about 8 to 12 seconds, but I was really concerned
in those few seconds. I wouldn't recommend doing it, as I know for sure I won't bother trying it again.
I guess I was about 21, 22 at the time.
So, TO EVERYONE:
I had a bad experience while rolling my eyes once. It was pretty extreme. I advise not to do it.
But seeing the back of my skull sounds pretty darn cool.
Groppo
("seeing the back of my skull sounds pretty cool"?)
.
No, positively not. Perhaps she went about bragging in front of everyone she knows. and got herself into that
"gimmee gimmee gimmee" trouble. I for one have a hard time concealing news of any fortunes.
But if the lotto happens to me, I MUST stay silent and safe.
It's going to be awfully hard for me, because the first thing I do is visit the Porsche dealer.
She didn't know how to handle the money she won and wouldn't follow advice given lottery winners. That is her fault. She needs a psychiatrist and a financial advisor. Her age wasn't the problem--common sense was/is her problem.
Now see, if you even say the word troll, this is what happens. And of course he made no lottery reference.
Except she hasnt mishandled her money and after 4 years she is not broke. She owns the house she lives in and a rental property.
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One of Jack the Ripper's "haunts" could be visited without even going to England.
The London Bridge was moved to Lake Havasu, AZ, U.S.A. years ago.
She says she wants the minimum age for lottery purchases to be raised to 18. She won at 17. How much of a difference would it have made to her happiness if she'd been only one year older? She'd have had the same issues that probably all people, regardless of age, have when they win a large amount of money: buying flashy things doesn't make you happy and you feel isolated from your friends who don't have money.
And it's a bit arrogant to go around speaking for others just because her life wasn't suddenly filled with purpose and happiness. You could very well get a kid who just turns 16 win even more money and turn out just fine because they had their head on straight in the first place. Why deny that someone the chance?
A lot of people are stupid when they're 17. Some are still stupid when they're 21. It isn't playing, winning, or the money that's responsible for her problems.
Anyone else think her new goal is a reality TV show?
The threads are continuously hijacked by people intentionally out to start problems. Whether it's politics, religion, race, gender, it's ALWAYS something. If I found useless bickering entertaining, I'd watch reality TV. But see, I wrote what I did deliberately and I left it alone for a while, deliberately. I wanted to see who was going to come and tell me to chill but wouldn't have the cajones to stand up to what the real issue is.
It's a joke to mock certain groups here, it has been for a while, I've noticed. And anyone who has a problem with it is either attacked or berated for not finding it funny or for being sensitive. I've noticed. Cohesive bullying is something I recognize. I was born in the former murder capital of the world so sensitivity probably isn't in my DNA. But common sense is. As are group dynamics. Acceptance and incorporation of a behavior type that is of no benefit to the larger group isn't logical but it does expose the weak, and the servile.
******************************************
To return to the topic:
She got involved with a drug dealer just out of prison and used some of her winnings to start up a financial services company with him. It's doubtful higher education is within her mental capabilities.
Chances are high that she doesn't have that much $$ left. She might still have the 2 properties but she moved back in with her mother in a teeny tiny flat...the mother didn't move in with her. Sounds like low funds to me.
This might all be one big PR stunt because the girl is a media-(rhymes with core), who loves attention and/or she could be going broke and that's why she's talking about suing. Either way, there's more to the story than first meets the eye.
So true. So many things I've said have actually happened it's occasionally scary.
Except the lottery. I've been saying I want to win a PB jackpot, but THAT the universe keeps at arm's length. sigh. I'm probably not sweet and old enough to win. PB winners seem to be very sweet and/or very old people. Maybe I should try for EuroMillions . If an utter moron can win, maybe a non-nice person can win too.
As an Anglophile, her existence is mentally painful. High tea, cricket, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Queen Boudica, Patricia Rutledge, Mr Bean...Jane Park. It's just so very, very wrong. Very wrong.
Be still my heart. Have I found a fellow Anglophile? Even if you aren't, The Incredibles is my favorite animated movie of all time. "Where is my super suit!"
It is similar, is it not? The ridiculousness of it? Wanting to sue someone because they did something good for you. I'm still trying to decide if movies are able to see a trend and foretell a future where the ridiculous is possible, or if ridiculous people simply copy ridiculous movie ideas. Though I doubt anyone could foresee someone wanting to sue the lottery for winning. And even if they did, I'd have thought it would happen in the US first. I don't think a lawyer here has yet to come up with that idea...until now.
"Jane Park, who won £1m aged 17, said someone of her age should not have been allowed to win such a large amount of money".
Well if she wins maybe the Judge will award her $10 - because anything more will ruin her life
Wonder if GB is as litigious society like we have here? Possibly, if it even gets to court, the tables might be turned and find herself being sued for defaming the lottery. Just as ridiculous as her lawsuit IMO. I agree, she's an attention seeker. Lucky she hasn't been robbed or worse, not a very subtle human being.