More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A train driver from Tonbridge who was given the all-clear from cancer five days before winning a £105,000 prize says the past few months have been a 'whirlwind'.
Ray Marsh, 54, was enjoying a day off at his home in Rembrandt Close when he had a knock on the door to say he had won a £55,000 Ford Mustang with £50,000 cash stashed in the boot.
In August Mr Marsh was diagnosed with cancer after doctors from Maidstone Hospital found malignant, but non aggressive tumours in his bladder.
He was alone when he found out and said the hardest part was the drive home thinking about how to tell his wife Natalie, 45, and his daughter, Nicola, 24.
Three weeks after, Mr Marsh had an operation to remove the tumours and spent weeks off work while he recovered.
But now, just two months on from the diagnosis, the father-of-one has been given the all clear.
He said: "It was a relief to find out, and it all happened so quickly too."
Five days after receiving the phone call, he won the cash and prize from Best of The Best (BOTB), a car and lifestyle competition company.
“What a week this has been,” he said, adding, “It’s been a tough year for all of us and this is just great news for us all to celebrate.
"I was told in the morning I’d won a £500 hamper so I was expecting that.
"My daughter was waiting for a bus round the corner to go to work when she saw the car pull up then heard my name mentioned.
"She said to the guy driving, 'Did you just say Ray Marsh? That’s my dad’.
“This is perfect timing as my car is definitely on its last legs and I’ve never owned a brand-new car before.”
With the £50,000 cash, Mr Marsh says it will go towards the mortgage and a holiday to Germany to see the Christmas markets.
Christian Williams from BOTB said: “What a year Ray and his family have had - this seems like the light at the end of a dark tunnel for him and I’m so glad BOTB was able to put a smile on his face."
Mr Marsh has ordered the car in red and hopes to be driving it around Tonbridge in time for Christmas.
Sign up to KentOnline's WhatsApp service and find out how else to get your news here.
