Wrexham man mistakes £47,000 car win for a persistent postman

A Wrexham man got more than he bargained for yesterday when he mistook a £47,000 prize reveal for a knock from the postman.

Gareth Walsh, 37, was surprised on his doorstep by dream car competition BOTB, which had a luxurious Porsche Macan worth £47,000 to give to him.

“I thought it was a courier who just wouldn’t give up,” said Gareth, who was working from home when he received the surprise from BOTB presenter, Christian Williams.

“I was on a call and I could hear someone knocking on the door. When I saw it was Christian, I couldn’t believe it.

“I saw it on a YouTube video and thought ‘why not?’ I’m so glad I did now.”

Gareth first heard about the competition ‘years ago’ but four months ago thought he’d try his luck at entering himself.

The speedy Porsche is a welcome upgrade for the mortgage advisor, who currently drives an ‘old’ Vauxhall Astra.

“I’ve been a big fan of Porsches for a while, and since they released the new 911 I’ve been obsessed with them,” explained Gareth.

The car will join Gareth and wife of nine years, Naomi on their next trip to Lake Bala.

“It will be a great place to take the new car for a spin, although Naomi is going nowhere near it!” Gareth said.

“I mean she’s good driver, but I’m a little better.”

Since being founded in 1999 by William Hindmarch, BOTB has given away more than £30m worth of prizes.

Christian Williams, who surprises winners weekly all over the world, said he was thrilled to see Gareth’s reaction.

He said: “The best part of this job is catching people off-guard and making their day.

“I’m so glad we were able to brighten Gareth’s day and bring him a great start to 2020! We hope Gareth and Naomi enjoy zipping around in their sporty new car.”