What’s Life Like When You Win the Lottery? Christine and Colin Weir Living the High Life in Scotland
Last Updated: Wednesday 14th May 2014, 13:27
As EuroMillions’ biggest ever lottery winners splash out on their multi million pound mansion, we take a look at what Christine and Colin Weir are up to now. The couple rocketed into 430th place on Britain’s Rich List after scooping the ginormous jackpot of £161 million in July of 2011. The pair vowed to enjoy their win and said: “…we’re not scared of it. It’s going to be fantastic and it’s going to be so much fun.”
Since then, the Weir’s have definitely lived up to their promise, splurging cash on longed for luxuries like Barcelona FC season tickets and a fleet of new cars for their family and friends. Most recently, the Ayeshire couple unloaded £3.5 million on a sprawling Scottish mansion in a sale believed to be the fifth largest in the country. The pair viewed the property and its 32 acre estate for just ten minutes before agreeing to the sale.
On the surface this decision may seem a little hasty, possibly even reckless, but the Weir’s can’t be accused of spending their money unwisely. After their win Christine said “I want to do things in a way where the benefit goes to people who really need it" and they’ve certainly been true to their word. The pair, now considered the 22nd richest in Scotland, remained true to their roots and have used their winnings to improve the local community. Endowed with an initial £5 million, the Weir Charitable Trust was established soon after the win and aims to support Scottish based community projects and charities. In the latest round of funding, the trust awarded 60 small charities with grants averaging £2,436 each.
However, the Weir’s generosity didn’t stop there and there are countless examples of the couple helping out individuals in need. The pair recently subsidized a life-changing spinal surgery for four-year-old Skye Swinton, enabling the youngster to take her very first steps. They also provided cancer survivor Kieran Maxwell with a new prosthetic limb after the teenager stumbled to the ground while carrying the Olympic torch through County Durham.
Although the Weir’s admit they are inundated with letters pleading for money, Colin said “With great wealth comes great responsibility” and admitted they felt it was their duty to help those in need. However, the pair generally only help those who are willing to help themselves and most often donate to people prepared to fundraise for themselves.
It’s seems the biggest ever EuroMillions jackpot win is benefiting more people than anyone could have hoped for and the top prize went to worthy winners indeed.