A groom was left shocked after realising he had won £10,000 on his wedding day from a bet he forgot he had put on.
Richard Purcell, 57, didn't know he had won his £25 bet until he checked his account hours later.
Richard and his now wife Victoria, from Widnes, married on Saturday, December 19, and have described the win as a "once in a lifetime" thing, saying they were shocked when they realised their win.
It was only after the ceremony, during their reception at the Wellington pub, that he remembered to pull out his phone and check on the bet.
Richard said: "It's fair to say I was otherwise engaged getting married, so didn't check my phone for the results until later when I saw a lovely sum of money in my account.
“I always put this kind of bet on and I've picked up bits and bobs in the past.
"I'm sure we'll put it to good use. As for a honeymoon, we've booked a nice hotel in Chester.
"I'm the luckiest man alive - and not just because of my bride".
Retired Tesco warehouse worker Richard has two grown-up children, while Victoria has an 11-year-old son.
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Richard's bet was placed through Betfred's Goals Galore No Draw coupon and needed both teams in selected matches to score. His bet included matches played between Arbroath and Ayr, Annan Athletic and Queens Park, Burton Albion and Doncaster Rovers, AFC Wimbledon and Crewe, Leyton Orient and Crawley and Newport and Oldham.
Richard's wife, Victoria, who works as a dinner lady said: "It was the least we could do to get the drinks in.
“It's unbelievable - it was already a special day, and then he tells me he's won £10k, which is easily the most he's ever achieved.
"The moment Richard told me is captured on camera. My face - it's a picture!"
“We're absolutely made up and can't thank Betfred enough.
"We'll be having a special Christmas despite all the difficulties everyone in the country is having to deal with."
