Grecian supporter gets funded trip to see daughter
Exeter City fan Jason Worth narrowly missed out on winning £5,000 in the first Sky Bet Transfer Fund competition – but still got lucky thanks to the big-hearted betting firm.Plasterer Jason, 31, got through to the Transfer Fund Final Draw at Wembley Stadium – securing a chance of winning a £250,000 transfer kitty for the Grecians, as well as £5,000 for himself.
Jason was planning to spend the personal £5k windfall on a trip to New Zealand to see his four-year-old daughter Caira.
He missed out in the big draw – but was in tears when Sky Bet stepped in and said they would treat him to the trip to see little Caira on the other side of the world.
Jason flies to Auckland, New Zealand, for three weeks in April.
He said: “When Sky Bet said they would pay for me to visit Caira, I couldn’t believe it. I was in tears.
“I’ve missed Caira so much since she left for New Zealand in July last year. Now thanks to Sky Bet I’ll be seeing her again very soon.
“I’m really looking forward to taking her swimming, I used to take her nearly every week, and she could just about swim before she left.
“I would like to thank everyone at Sky Bet who has been involved in making this happen. It’s amazing, and really is a dream come true.”
Sky Bet Head of Sponsorship Edwin Martin said: “We first heard about Jason’s plans for the money when his story was picked up by the local press.
“While we couldn’t help bring his preferred signing, Reuben Reid, to Exeter City, we could help him get over to New Zealand.
“He’s a great guy who loves his family and his club so we’re only too delighted to have been able to help him visit Caira.
“We hope they both have a fantastic time. We also hope he gets to celebrate success with the Grecians this season.”
Grecians Vice-Chairman Julian Tagg said: “Although we didn’t win the Transfer Fund, I think everyone at Exeter City was pleased when we heard that Jason would be able to visit his daughter in New Zealand, all thanks to Sky Bet. It is a story that certainly tugs at the heartstrings.
“I am sure Jason will be taking his red and white shirt with him to fly the flag for Exeter on the other side of the globe. We wish Jason a safe and enjoyable journey and we’re looking forward to seeing some of his holiday snaps!
“We are all grateful to Sky Bet, it is a tremendously generous gesture. And, fingers crossed, that another Grecian supporter can go one better and win the new Transfer Fund.”
Jason was one of 10 finalists – from over 70,000 Football League club fans who entered the Transfer Fund competition – selected for the Sky Bet Transfer Fund Final Draw at Wembley back in December.
The first Sky Bet Transfer Fund gave Football League clubs fans the chance to win £250,000 for their favourite club to spend on players in the January Transfer Window.
Nottingham Forest fan Shaun Lander scooped the £5,000 prize money Jason had set his heart on. Forest went on to bring in both Gary Gardner from Aston Villa and Todd Kane from Chelsea on loan until the end of the season.
The Sky Bet Transfer Fund has reopened for the second half of the season with another £250,000 to be won – and another £5,000 for a lucky fan.
Sign up now at www.skybet.com/transferfund and let’s see if we can win £250,000 this time around to spend on the City squad in the summer – and win £5k for yourself!