Jon's Bet Of a Lifetime

1st November 2007

Jon Matthews has had literally the bet of his lifetime with William Hill taking odds of 50/1 to a £100 stake that he will remain alive until June 1, 2008 - at which time he will become by his and his Doctors' best estimates the patient to survive longest after being diagnosed with the killer disease, Mesothelioma.

Jon, in his fifties, who lives in Bedfordshire, contacted William Hill to ask whether the company would accept his unique bet. 'It was the most moving request for a bet I have ever received' said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe,'But having spoken to Jon, a very positive character, I realised that it meant a great deal to him and although some might regard it as a controversial thing to do I was happy to offer him the chance to win £5000 by proving that he could, if not beat the terrible disease he has, at least hold it at bay for longer than anyone else has reportedly managed.

I am looking forward to handing over the winning cheque to Jon next June and, for once, very keen that a punter should beat us.'