Betfred Big Winner: Lifelong friends combine for £37k Irish Lotto win

Steven Johnson loves his grandson Lennon, but just couldn't remember his birthday.

But that lapse in memory paid off big time for 59-year-old Steven, who panicked and just went for a random number - 32 - as he gave his Irish Lotto numbers to life-long pal and fellow grandad Mark Wass.

Unknown to Steven, Mark copied his numbers 7, 10, 21 and 32 when placing his bet at their local Betfred shop on Midland Road in Royston, Barnsley.

Steven, who works in the metal industry, wagered £4 and won £25k - while van driver Mark pocketed £12.5k from a £2 stake.

The duo, who have known each other for over 50 years and are Friday night regulars at the New Lodge Working Men’s club, have already booked a holiday in Tenerife and intend to enjoy extra special Christmases with their families.

Steven said: "I only started doing the Irish Lottery six months ago after hearing how Mark had won the odd time, but it's never been as much as this."

Explaining the reasoning behind his numbers, he went on: "I went for my birthday, my daughter's and my ex-girlfriend's. I just couldn't remember the date my nine-year-old grandson Lennon was born, so for whatever reason I put down 32."

He first heard about their double win when Mark rang him after working late and woke him up!

Mark said: "He thought he was having a dream and then thought I was messing around. But I told him we've won £37.5k from our two bets totalling £6 and he's got most of it."

As well as jetting off to Tenerife next month, ensuring their respective families have a memorable Christmas and bolstering their bank accounts, the duo are planning a sunshine New Year break, probably to a Greek island.

Betfred boss Fred Done said:

"It’s wonderful that these two life-long mates from their primary school days have taken us to the cleaners for just £6.

"Enjoy yourself in Tenerife fellas and have a cracking Christmas on us!"