This is my favourite story of the week as an ex gambler myself. A British man with terminal cancer who won 10,000 pounds (15,000 dollars, 11,700 euros) by gambling on his own life has died, just weeks short of cashing in a third bet.
Jon Matthews, 60, from Milton Keynes north of London, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos, in April 2006 and his doctor told him he would not be alive to see 2007.
The widower refused to accept the prognosis and placed a 100-pound bet with odds of 50-1 that he would survive until June 1, 2008 _ and cashed in 5,000 pounds when he made it, according to bookmakers William Hill.
The odds that he would stay alive another 12 months went up to 100-1 and he placed another 100-pound bet, which would have netted him 10,000 pounds if he survived until June 1, 2010, but he finally succumbed to his illness last week, the bookmakers said.
This is a great way to set yourself targets and by that very way, prolong your life when you have unfortunately gotten a terminal illness. Let's be honest - life is one big gamble anyway, so what's wrong with having a flutter where your life really does depend on it?
