Is Lottery win a curse?

Overnight someone in the UK has just become £184 million richer after winning the EuroMillions jackpot.

Reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with the media largely calling it a “joyous moment” and a “life-changing experience” for the “lucky winner”.

And as the presenters on Times Radio announced: “That’s more wealth than Harry Kane and Paul Pogba combined.”

For those of you who are not football devotees, Messrs Kane and Pogba are among the most highly paid players in the English Premier League. It’s funny how footballers have now become the barometers of material success!

Forgive me, but I can’t think of anything worse than winning riches beyond my wildest dreams. For me, I think it would definitely be a defining moment in my life – for all the wrong reasons.

WORTH A FORTUNE: Kane and Pogba earn mega money in the Premier League.

Wealth brings with it an incredible amount of pressure. And the more cash and possessions you have, the greater the weight that's bearing down.

It is bad enough being wealthy, and being used to such status. Why? Because the responsibility of managing such riches never leaves you. And while you may not change one iota, others around you change. I have seen it happen to the wealthy people I know, and they are much poorer because of the experience. They admit it is so, but are powerless to do anything about it.

Two things define the wealthy individuals I know above everything else: their bank balances and their loneliness. There is perhaps a third factor – ruined relationships with their nearest and dearest. For, only one of the six people I know who live the life of a millionaire, has managed to protect their marriage.

I fear for anyone who suddenly comes into a lot of money, particularly when they are not used to the greedy, judgmental and intolerant world they are now entering.

The vast majority of us don’t realise how lucky we are to be blessed with anonymity. It means we can do anything we like – and get away with most things.

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When you have great wealth, you live in a goldfish bowl. Whether it is intentional, or not, everyone around is looking into your life. They analyse, scrutinise, make comment and pass judgment. You become a commodity. Your life is changed forever. So, too, is that of your wife, or partner, and all close family members.

Is it really worth it?

Judging by the comments of people who have won large amounts in the past, it would appear not. For while they can afford almost anything, the one thing most of them hanker above everything else is a “return to normality”.

Sadly, that’s the one thing money has never been able to buy.

Tony Yorke is the deputy editor of Sorted