Lottery jackpot winner Doug Wood is giving up his lavish lifestyle after whittling down his £2.6million fortune to just £80,000.
Doug, who lives in Westcliff, is to axe his two personal chauffeurs and give up his horse racing hobby and is also selling his posh Audi 8 car.
He said: "That's it - my money is running out and I've got to take drastic action. My two female chauffeurs - who have been working for me since the win - will be going at the end of the year and I'm having to give up my hobby of horse racing.
Blown it - Doug Wood Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
"I'll now be savouring the next few months before coming back to reality.
"But the past eight years have been fun and I have no regrets."
In an amazing turnaround, 66-year-old Doug will now survive on his state pension of £500 a month and cash payments from loans handed out to friends.
The former shopworker won the National Lottery in September 1995 - but kept the win secret for almost ten months - after using former house numbers as his winning line.
Just days after the win, the confirmed bachelor splashed out £66,000 on a bungalow in Westcliff and went on a fortnight's holiday to the United States.
He gave thousands of pounds to charity and helped pals buy homes.
Over the years, big-hearted Doug has donated around £500,000 to various charities - including the Building Blocks Appeal at Southend Hospital, the RNLI and the Salvation Army.
Published Friday, May 30, 2003
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