Tragedy struck a woman who won a £500,000 prize from a scratchcard, as friends revealed that the windfall had a detrimental impact on her life.
The poignant tale of Helen Ford, a lottery victor from Penarth, a coastal town in Wales, has resurfaced following news of another winner’s hospitalization just months after winning.
Helen won the lottery in September 2003, but soon after, she openly discussed her battle with manic depression, a condition she had been grappling with since she was 25.
In a candid interview post-her £500,000 win, she conveyed, “People assume I should be endlessly happy due to the lottery. However, money cannot buy health or happiness.”
Helen, a former ballet dancer, also shared her struggles with suicidal thoughts, stating, “The depths of my illness are unbearable, and pulling myself out of it is a constant challenge. It’s hard to rationalize during those low moments. I despise feeling that way.”
Highlighting that money doesn’t resolve underlying issues, she added, “While the lottery has provided financial security and allowed for new experiences like vacations, it doesn’t solve health problems. People shouldn’t rely on money to fix everything.”
Despite purchasing a flat in her hometown, indulging in a luxury holiday, acquiring a car, and even donating a portion of her winnings to charity, it was evident to her friends that the lottery win brought more challenges than benefits.
Helen’s friend Tracey Alexander remarked, “Winning the lottery became her greatest misfortune. Managing the money overwhelmed her. It didn’t bring her much good.”
Sadly, Helen’s life came to a tragic end 12 years after her win when she was struck by a train at Dingle Road Station in January 2015 after wandering onto the tracks.
During the subsequent inquest, it was revealed that Helen had been battling feelings of loneliness and despair due to her bipolar disorder, though it couldn’t be definitively concluded that her death was intentional.
Dr. Martyn Davies, a psychiatrist, disclosed that Helen would occasionally overdose as a plea for help, alternating between distress and a cheerful demeanor. Supportive housing was offered to aid her, but she was reluctant to leave her seaside residence purchased with lottery funds.
After her passing, Helen’s sister Rebekah Donovan lamented, “Winning that money was the worst thing that happened to her. Helen was vibrant, cherished by many, as evidenced by the large turnout at her funeral.”
Helen aspired to be an actress and had minor roles in TV shows like Casualty and District Nurse.
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