His life took a dramatic turn in 1995 when he hit the jackpot and won a jaw-dropping £6.5 million from the National Lottery. With his newfound wealth, he indulged in a lavish lifestyle, purchasing a mansion with a pool, superbikes, an aircraft and several fancy cars.
However, fate had a different plan for Lee Ryan. Within a short span of five years, Lee found himself penniless, homeless and bitter, facing the harsh reality of life on the streets.
According to a report by Wales Online, a family man experienced a life-changing windfall from the lottery. With his newfound wealth, he made some extravagant purchases, including a mansion with a pool, two Ducati superbikes, an aircraft, and several luxury cars. Among his collection were a Bentley, a Ferrari, a Porsche, and a BMW, each adorned with personalized number plates bearing his name, "LEE."
However, the dream of everlasting prosperity turned into a harsh reality when he quickly spent his millions. Heartbroken by the swift depletion of his fortune, he referred to the lottery as "a curse." He realized that winning did not automatically mean the end of financial worries.
In the aftermath of his win, Lee's life took unexpected turns. Fearing for his family's safety, he hired an ex-SAS soldier to protect them from a potential kidnapping plot. Unfortunately, he found himself on the wrong side of the law, facing a nine-month sentence for handling stolen cars.
His marriage to Karen ended, and he sold the mansion they once shared. He then entered a relationship with Jyldyz Djangaracheva and relocated to her home country, Kyrgyzstan. There, he experienced failed investments, losing £2 million, and his ventures into large-scale fish farming were marred by local mafia interference. His second marriage also collapsed, and his financial empire crumbled.
Lee recounted the crazy experience of moving from immense wealth to poverty, a lesson he will carry with him for life. Now 63 years old, he volunteers at a homeless shelter where he once sought refuge, offering free decorating services to those in need.
Despite his rollercoaster journey, Lee still plays the lottery, but with a newfound perspective. Instead of seeking personal gain, he vows to use any winnings to help the homeless.
