Seasoned online competition fanatic Gerard Tobin’s perseverance has finally paid off after her was being surprised with £10,000 and a brand new car.
The 72 year old had just walked his granddaughter Sophie home from school in Conwy when Best of the Best (BOTB) managing director Will Hindmarch surprised him and his wife Maggie with the massive prize.
Grandfather-of-seven Gerard, from Maes Y Llan in Conwy , has never had a new car despite more than 30 years of hard work saving lives.
Seeing the brand new £30,000 Ford Focus RS drive around the corner, Everton fan Gerard said: “I’m absolutely speechless. I just can’t believe it.
“I enter every week. I enter all sort of things like this, but you never think you’re going to win.
“I’ve never even had a new car. They’re always second hand. I’ve never been able to afford one new.
“I’ll have to give my car away now to one of my kids.
“I just cannot believe it. I’ve watched all the videos with the previous winners and I’ve always wanted this car.”
Maggie, who has been married to Gerard for 49 years, couldn’t hide her shock at the massive win.
“I’m absolutely stunned,” she said.
“I know he enters some of these things, but you never ever think of actually winning, do you? It’s fantastic.”
Gerard had entered a Spot The Ball competition on the BOTB website on Sunday afternoon, just hours before the competition deadline ended.
Less than 48 hours later, he was presented with his car – although Maggie is pleased the couple will get to pick the colour.
She said: “When I saw it (the car), I thought it was a lovely thing but not in green!
“I think he’ll get it in Everton blue as they’re his team.”
Gerard added: “It’s a great time to get such a sum of money , but before Christmas is even better.
“The grandkids will be getting spoiled this year I think.”
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BOTB managing director Will said: “It was lovely to surprise Gerard with his family around him. He clearly wasn’t expecting to see us this morning.
“As a retired ambulance driver, I imagine he has travelled at some speed in his time.
“We can’t promise the same in his new car, but it is a speedy little motor that we’re sure he will enjoy driving.”
Maggie added: “As pensioners we don’t really expect prizes like this or the money , but this is just absolutely wonderful.”
[“source-walesonline”]
