5m pounds lottery couple were 'happier when they were poor'

London, May 29 : A couple has split three years after winning a 5million-pound lottery - because they were "happier when they were poor."

24-year-old Claire Owen and 23-year-old Craig Pope, had won 5million pounds together, but admitted that it was not lucky for them.

"We were happier when we were poor," The Sun quoted the two of them as saying.

The duo had been penniless and had a 10,000 pounds debt, when they hit the jackpot during Christmas in 2004.

The two are said to have immediately gone on a 1 million pounds shopping spree, quitting their jobs and buying houses, cars and going on holidays.

However, even with so much money, the two are now living 100 miles apart.

"It just shows money can't buy you happiness," Owen told her friends.

Separated from her husband, she still lives at their 400,000 pounds detached house in Tonyrefail, South Wales, with daughter Seren, who is 4-years-old, while Pope moved to Cardigan, West Wales, to be with a new partner.

"We were happy when we were broke because we had each other and the baby. But everything changed," Owen said.

"People think that if you are rich then every day will be sunny. It's just not like that," she added.

As to what might have caused the break up between the two of them, Claire said there was "no one reason" for it but that the couple just drifted apart.

"It is sad but it's a part of life these days," Craig's dad Nigel said.

ANI