A multi-millionaire who bought his beloved Torquay Football club after scooping Britain's second highest ever jackpot has died of a heart attack, it emerged today.
Tragic Paul Bristow and wife Thea hit the headlines in 2004 when they landed £15million on the lottery before leading a syndicate to bail out his stricken team in 2007.
A year later, the kind-hearted father-of-three forked out £500,000 on a luxury camping trip to Canada for the scout troop he and Thea, 56, ran together.
The couple also spent £91,000 on two pieces of woodland in Barton near their home in Torquay, Devon amid fears the land was being snapped up by developers.
Paul, 58, was branded a 'saviour' following his buyout of Torquay United in 2007 the club yesterday paid tribute to the 'passionate' and 'affectionate' man.
A spokesman said: 'It is with shock and great sadness that the club has to announce the sudden passing of director Paul Bristow.
'Paul was taken ill early on Wednesday morning and the club were informed of his death earlier today.
'Paul's input and support of Torquay United Football Club has been immense.
'The part he has played in the upturn in the club's fortunes over the last three seasons is a tribute to Paul's commitment and affection for the club and its supporters.
'Everyone connected with Torquay United consider ourselves fortunate to have known Paul and worked with him.
'His positive approach to his role as a director of the club will leave a lasting impression on all of us.
'Everyone connected to Torquay United send our deepest condolences and sympathy to Paul's wife Thea, his children and family at this very sad time.' Humble Paul and Thea, 56, hit the jackpot by scooping £15million - Britain's second biggest ever win - in 2005.
The win came as thea faced being made redundant from her job as a souvenir maker and Paul later quit as an animal keeper at a tourist attraction at Newton Abbot.
They celebrated the win by forking out £10 on a week-long caravan holiday in Newquay to 'unwind' and were wary of being 'frivolous;' with the winnings.
The couple treated themselves with modest gifts, including a new garage roof for their terrace home, a carpet, furniture and bathroom.
And in 2008, they paid £500,000 for a party of Scouts from their troop to jet out to an all-expenses paid camping trip exploring British Columbia.
He also paid for the troop to go on a similar trip to Austria.
The couple had run the 1st Torbay Scout group for 20 years before treating them to the luxury trip.
Later that year he led a consortium to buy his beloved Torquay United, who had supported as a 10-year-old before pumping hundreds of thousands of pounds into the club.
Tributes left on the clubs fan site yesterday read: 'I feel totally devastated. A really nice guy, always had a smile on his face even when things weren't going well.
'Sincere condolences to Thea and the family. RIP Paul, we will miss you'. Another said: 'Always had time for a chat at the games and he was always very approachable. This is very bad news for the club and Torquay as a wider community'.
