Who wants to be a millionaire

Lottery winner dies penniless after heart attack from money worries
A £9 million lottery winner who blew his money on drink, racehorses and football has died penniless after suffering a heart attack brought on by money worries.

Keith Gough and his wife Louise from Bridgenorth, Shropshire, celebrating a £9 million Lotto windfall in 2005 Photo: PA Keith Gough’s death brought to an end a story of huge fortune followed by a tragic personal downfall.
After winning the money with his wife, Louise, in 2005, he blew millions on property, drink and horse racing. He bought an executive box at Aston Villa FC and was tricked out of his remaining £700,000 by a con man who persuaded him to invest in a series of non-existent business ventures.

Mr Gough, 58, collapsed and died at his nephew’s house in Broseley, Shrops, last week and friends said yesterday that he had been suffering from financial worries.

One friend, who did not want to be named, said: “Keith always put a brave face on things but he was financially screwed. A combination of carelessness, naivety and generosity left him skint and he was finding it hard to get back on his feet.

“I know the stress of not being able to pay his way was weighing on his mind.”

Mr and Mrs Gough hit the headlines in 2005 when Mrs Gough bought the lucky jackpot ticket from a local shop.

Mr Gough, from Bridgnorth, Shrops, gave up his job as a baker and began drinking heavily. His spending included a £1 million country mansion, £80,000 on a gardener and chauffeur, a £500,000 house, £180,000 on racehorses, £35,000 on the executive box and a £60,000 BMW.

Soon after, his 25-year marriage ended, yet Mrs Gough gave him £1.5 million following their separation.