G Paul McCartney, 10/04Sir Paul McCartneySir Paul McCartney has shown his support for wife Heather Mills McCartney following news that they'll separate.

In a message on his website, the former Beatle denied rumours that Heather had married him "for the money".

The message reads: "It's been suggested that she married me for the money and there is not an ounce of truth in this.

"She is a very generous person who spends most of her time trying to help others in greater need than herself."

The couple, who have been married for four years, issued a statement saying:

"Having tried exceptionally hard to make our relationship work given the daily pressures surrounding us, it is with sadness that we have decided to go our separate ways."

Heather Mills McCartneyHeather Mills McCartneySir Paul and Heather met in 1999 at a charity event, a year after his first wife, Linda, died from cancer.

They got engaged in 2001, married in 2003 and had their first child, Beatrice the same year.

Lawyers are speculating that if the break-up should go to court, it could be one of the biggest divorce cases in British history.

Sir Paul's fortune is estimated at £800million and it's been suggested that a settlement for Heather could reach £200million.