This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
Callie Rogers, Britain's youngest lotto winner, is now broke after squandering £1.8 million at 16. She won the jackpot on June 28, 2003, and has since struggled with the pressures of fame and wealth.
Speaking to a UK publication, Callie revealed how she was hounded by 'fake friends' who only wanted a slice of her fortune. She also suffered physical and verbal abuse, and was beaten up by two jealous women.
Callie, now 32, earns just £12,000 a year as a carer and lives in a £500-a-month rented home. She is still owed £200,000 by 'fake pals' who took her debit card to buy Macbooks and gifts for themselves.
Callie welcomed a government consultation on the lottery gambling age and joined the campaign to raise it to 18. She believes that 16 is too young to handle the pressure and responsibility that comes with winning a large sum of money.
Callie's story highlights the potential risks of gambling addiction on children's mental health. She advises any young winners to keep their fortune secret and to seek support from trusted adults.
Camelot, the lottery operator, has offered Callie support and advice over the years, but she did not take up the independent financial and legal advice offered to her.
