Inside heartbreaking story of EuroMillions couple who won £161M & burnt through £100k a WEEK… before tragedy struck

A COUPLE who scooped an eye-watering £161million when they won the EuroMillions splashed the cash at an astounding rate of £100,000 a week before tragedy struck.

Colin and Christine Weir landed the colossal prize money in 2011 and were Europe’s second-biggest winners until someone in Italy won a jackpot worth £193m in 2019.

But at the time of Colin’s death in December 2019 his share of the prize money had dwindled by around £40m, having spent the millions living a life of luxury, forking out for sports cars, property and the football club he supported.

It is said that at one point, Colin was burning through around £100k of his winnings a week.

Not all of the money went on his taste for the high life though and the former STV cameraman also shared his immense wealth with family and friends as well as various charities.

A fair chunk of his money went on building up a fleet of luxury cars, including some of the world’s most sort-after makes.

He is reportedly said to have owned a vintage Bentley Arnage, a three-year-old Jaguar F-Pace SUV, a four-year-old Mercedes-Benz E Class Estate and a 2019 Mercedes-Benz V Class people carrier.

He also owned three racing thoroughbreds – the geldings Knighted and Felony and an Irish mare called If You Say Run.

Colin and Christine divorced shortly before his death after being married for 38 years.

He left money for their children Carly and Jamie.

Colin though suffered from ill health for a number of years before his death, dying from sepsis and an “acute kidney injury”.

At the time of his death, it was recorded that he possessed jewellery, furniture and artwork which were valued at around £212,000.

Colin lived in a five-bedroom seafront house in Ayr which was bought in 2018 and valued at £1.1m.

Another property worth £3.5m, Frognal House, near Troon, South Ayrshire, was signed over to his former wife.

It was said the house had been initially purchased after a 10-minute viewing, including all fixtures and fittings.

Colin also bought a 55 per cent stake in Partick Thistle just a month before his death.

He intended to return control of the football club to its fans and to make sure its future lay with the local community.

In 2013, Colin and Christine gave financial help to the club so it could begin their own youth academy.

The football club's website says: "The Thistle Weir Youth Academy aims to provide the required knowledge, guidance, facilities and encouragement to enable footballers to maximise the opportunities available to them and provides the link from the local community into senior football."

Mourners lined the streets and applauded as Colin’s funeral procession arrived at Partick Thistle’s ground to collect a wreath.

A bag piper also played as mourners arrived for the funeral service.

When Colin knew he would die, he organised a luxury £1m farewell party for his friends and family to remember him.

Guests enjoyed lobster, £340-a-bottle champagne and £40-a-plate truffle soup as they celebrated a life well lived.