An Irish man diagnosed with mesothelioma more than two years ago placed a bet that he would still be alive today and won – with odds of 50 to 1.

The gentleman, John Matthews, age 58 of Milton Keyes, Bucks County, wanted to bet that he could beat doctor’s predictions and outlive most individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma. So he decided to put his money where his mouth is…so to speak.

According to an article in the Irish Examiner, eight months ago Matthews was told “don’t make any plans for Christmas”, but bet £100 he would survive and won £5,000 in the wager.

“The doctors said I wouldn’t live until the end of the year. They said don’t make any plans for Christmas, but I’m still here,” Matthews explained.

“I got to last year about this time and I thought ‘I don’t feel too bad’. Then I got hold of William Hill and placed a bet. They checked all the facts out and that’s why they gave me odds of 50/1.”

Matthews was first diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer in April 2006. So far, his doctor has told him that he is the longest surviving patient in his practice and others in the area – surviving for more than 25 months after the dreaded diagnosis.

“Today is 25 months and a week so I’ve beaten that record,” Matthews stressed. “I do get bad days obviously but I’m feeling fine today. Everyone’s feeling fine if they’re going to pick up five grand!”

Most mesothelioma victims die within a year of diagnosis because the disease is generally not diagnosed until it reaches stages 3 and 4. At that point, treatments provide little relief and absolutely no hope for a cure.

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