A GRANDFATHER from England who had been told he was being made redundant scooped £150,000 on the Irish Lottery with a £1 stake.
Paul Walker, 56, from Dukinfield in Greater Manchester didn’t check his ticket for four days as staff from bookmakers Betfred frantically searched for the winner.
In the meantime, Paul carried out chores around the house while suffering with an agonising toothache, all the while unaware he had landed the massive windfall.
He told Betfred Blog: “I’m being made redundant next year so this brilliant win has come at just the right time.”
Losing acca
Paul had only bought the ticket as an afterthought, having just lost a football accumulator in which he bet AGAINST his beloved Manchester United.
As word spread around town and Paul’s workplace about the mystery local winner, he eventually checked his ticket and realised he’d won.
Paul, who was worried about having to re-train for another job ahead of his redundancy next year, is now planning for a Mediterranean cruise with wife Susan.
'Miracle'
“I’m a United fan but the odds on a Watford win were better so I knew all about my failed acca on Saturday afternoon, but forgot about the lottery ticket which I left in my shirt pocket,” Paul told Betfred Blog.
He added: “I can’t believe it. I had sorted my football acca, and just thought I would have a go trying to get five numbers on the Irish Lotto.
“I had some change and thought to myself that I’d had some bad luck recently and could do with a miracle, so went for a lucky dip so the numbers are picked at random… then I forgot all about it.”
As well a cruise, Paul and Susan are also going to Mexico and splashing out on a new car.
Betfred boss Fred Done, who drafted in extra staff at the Ashton Road, Newton branch to help track the winner down, personally congratulated Paul on his good fortune.
“It is perfect timing for Paul to beat the odds and win so much from such a tiny stake just as he’s to lose his job,” said Fred.
“Our staff did an excellent job finding Paul, while the moral of this story is to always check your betting slips.”
