A couple who scooped a huge National Lottery jackpot 25 years ago are now going their separate ways after the husband met another woman. Barry Chuwen and partner Jenny transformed their lives after claiming a £4.8 million prize in 1997.
Barry, then 27, was able to gift his Glasgow hairdressing salon to his staff before embarking on a fresh career as a property investor and estate agent. But the financial crash brought huge difficulties for Barry's £30 million empire.
Now, the couple are separating after Barry admitted 'developing a relationship' with someone he met through work, reports the Daily Record. The couple became two of Scotland's biggest ever lottery winners when they scooped the jackpot.
But after the 2008 financial crash, Barry's portfolio went bust in 2013 when the Bank of Scotland - who had provided for most of the assets - pulled the plug on spiralling debts. Another of his companies - MQ Estate Agents Limited - entered liquidation in 2020.
The Sunday Mail revealed in May that charity regulators were examining the finances of The Teddy Bear Foundation, a charity set up by the couple aimed at helping children with special needs. It was created in memory of their son Ted who, in 2004, was sadly stillborn after being diagnosed with Edwards syndrome.
Barry, now 52, said: ”We are doing everything we can to co-operate with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. Discussions over this have caused a great deal of stress for Jenny and I, on top of pressures related to business and a protracted period of ill health.
“I also acknowledge that during this difficult time in our lives, I developed a relationship with someone who I met through work. I have apologised to Jenny and our children and hope to continue to be a loving father to them as they grow up.”
Barry and Jenny, 54, are parents to son Harvey, 15, and daughters Kelly, 17 and 21-year-old Lois, reports the Daily Record. The split forces the sale of their plush and luxurious villa, considered one of the most-admired properties in Glasgow’s south side.
Sitting in substantial manicured grounds in the Whitecraigs area of East Renfrewshire, the detached five-bedroom property offers stunning views across the city. The house is being marketed by Mr Chuwen’s own estate agency, MQ Estate Agents and Lettings Ltd, at offers over £1.75 million.
He once told friends that he vowed to buy it as soon as he saw it, during an early morning stroll with Jenny more than 20 years ago. One friend said: ”Everyone thinks winning the lottery is a guarantee of happiness but many winners know to their cost that it’s not always plain sailing.
“Barry and Jenny have enjoyed the good times but, just like everyone else, problems can emerge that prove insurmountable. They have a lovely family and have helped lots of people along the way but, unfortunately, this is one challenge they have not been able to overcome.”
Barry and Jenny are sole trustees of The Teddy Bear Foundation and, over the years, the organisation has funded hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of trips to the panto, specialist playground equipment for special needs schools and even an outing to the 2012 Olympics.
In 2008, the charity stepped in financially to help the family of a young Canadian girl with a brain tumour, who fell ill during a holiday to Scotland. However, an investigation was launched last year into payments made by the charity to a company connected to one of its trustees.
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