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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Tom Davidson

UK's biggest ever lottery winners divorcing eight years after £161m jackpot

The UK's biggest ever lottery winners are divorcing eight years after they scooped £161m.

In 2011 Colin and Christine Weir collected the largest amount of money ever for a British winner of the EuroMillions.

But now the lottery curse has struck and Colin, 71, and Christine, 62, are set to go their separate ways.

The couple, from Largs, North Ayrshire, were married for 38 years but in a statement confirmed they had been living apart "for some time".

Issued on behalf of the couple, it said: "It is with deep regret that Chris and Colin confirm they have been living apart for some time and intend to divorce amicably.

"There will be no further comment."

EuroMillions results: Tuesday's winning Lottery numbers for huge £67m jackpot

The win saw retired cameraman Colin and retired psychiatric nurse Chris catapult to just behind the ­Beckhams in the UK rich list and ahead of celebs such as Ringo Starr, David Bowie and Sir Sean Connery.

They have given to a number of causes since the multi million pound scoop.

The Weirs,who have two grown-up children,  gave £1million to the National Theatre of Scotland to help pay for a new HQ in Glasgow.

They also made three £1million donations to the SNP since their 2011 win.

Their separation is reported to be 'an open secret' (AFP/Getty Images)

And football fan Colin has given back to the beautiful game.

He helped refurbish Largs Thistle’s ground and gave more than £1million to Partick Thistle to set up a youth academy and clear debts.

“I have been a Thistle fan since I was a boy and spent many hours at Firhill — some more enjoyable than others," Colin said.

“Chris and I are delighted to be part of the effort to help the club achieve financial security — no mean feat for any Scottish club today.

“We also support the establishment of Partick Thistle Football Club Trust to give fans a greater say and were pleased to help get it off the ground.”

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