A UK couple’s dream of a £1 million ($1.3 million) lottery win has turned into a nightmare, with the pair now fighting over who deserves the life-changing sum after their breakup.
Winning the lottery is a fantasy for many, but for Michael Cartlidge, 39, and Charlotte Cox, 37, from Spalding, UK, their £1 million Lotto scratch card victory has sparked more conflict than celebration.
The couple, who split just weeks after the win, are at odds over who has the rightful claim to the money. Cox, a mother of one, ended their three-month relationship, igniting a fierce dispute over the prize.
Charlotte Cox and Michael Cartlidge
The couple’s £1 million win has led to a bitter feud. Credit: Michael Cartlidge via Facebook
Cox purchased the winning scratch card with her own money and scratched it to reveal the prize. However, Cartlidge insists he suggested buying the ticket and attempted to transfer her the cost via his banking app, a claim he says is supported by shop CCTV footage.
Initially, Camelot, the former lottery operator, reviewed the footage and reportedly advised splitting the winnings, according to Cartlidge in an interview with The Mirror. But Allwyn, the new operator, has ruled in Cox’s favor, prompting Cartlidge to consider legal action.
“I’m in shock,” Cartlidge told The Sun. “Charlotte wouldn’t have bought that ticket without me, but I wouldn’t have it without her either. It came from her account, but morally, it should be 50-50. I started the transfer on my Halifax app and showed her, you can see it on the CCTV Camelot reviewed.”
Charlotte Cox and Michael Cartlidge
Both believe they’re entitled to the prize. Credit: Michael Cartlidge via Facebook
A source close to Cox countered, “This £1 million has caused nothing but misery. It’s ruined the last three months for Charlotte and her family. Mike has no claim to this money. She paid for and scratched the ticket. Case closed.”
An Allwyn spokesperson clarified to The Sun, “The National Lottery Rules for Scratchcard Games state that only one person can own a ticket, and only the person whose name and address are on the back of a winning scratchcard can claim the prize. This is clearly communicated to claimants. If a claimant chooses to share a prize after payment, we recommend a legal agreement. Without one, disputes must be resolved between the parties.”
This breakup has become as contentious as the prize itself.
