Published on 12:02 PM, January 02, 2016

Unluckiest couple loses $52 million lottery win

David and Edwina Nylan believe they've been cheated out of $52 million lottery jackpot because of a faulty app. Photo: SWNS

Looks like Santa turned his head on this couple this holiday!

2016 could possibly be the worst year for this UK couple who was reportedly denied $52 million in winnings due to a faulty smartphone app, reports Huffington Post.

Grandparents Edwina and David Nylan of England are in despair of their misfortune to get a hold of their fortune that could have changed their lives.

"We've tried to have a laugh about it but we're completely distraught," Edwina told SWNS. "We've spent years paying out for the lottery and this money could have changed our lives. We feel like we've been cheated out of it."

When Edwina called the UK lottery to claim the jackpot, a representative told the pair they had entered the drawing too late.

The couple have been left furious over the glitch. Photo: SWNS

The couple said they used a cell phone app to purchase a ticket on Dec. 23, SWNS reported. When they were alerted that their account required more funds for the purchase, they added more money. Then they bought the ticket with six numbers they chose randomly, and the app confirmed the buy, they said. But lottery officials say they have no record of the purchase.

Authorities reportedly confirmed they have a record of the couple repeatedly trying to add funds as the 7:30 pm drawing limit approached -- but assert they did not register a completed transaction before the deadline.

"When anyone successfully purchases a ticket on the Lottery website they will see a purchase confirmation screen, receive an email confirming their purchase and be able to see the ticket in their National Lottery online account," a spokeswoman told the Telegraph.

Edwina Nyland believes she could have been a multimillionaire. Photo: SWNS

Edwina conceded to outlets, "I didn't remember to check because it was just before Christmas and I was so busy."

The payment was eventually processed, but not until midnight, on Dec 24, way past the deadline, reports Huffington Post quoting the Mirror.

"It was like all our dreams had come crashing down around us," Edwina said to SWNS.