A MAN diagnosed with terminal cancer left his family and friends £250 to put on the 100-1 Grand National winner.

Danny Shea, 66, knew he would not live to see the race, but made sure his wife and family bet on Mon Mome – scooping £20,310 at the bookies.

The offshore rigger, who died of kidney cancer five months ago, was convinced the horse would win after he saw it race in last year’s event.

His widow, Pat, 63, of Station Road, Eston, near Middlesbrough, said: “He was generally pretty useless at picking winners. He did not have much of a clue, though he liked a bet.

“But he watched Mon Mome race in the National last year and straightaway was adamant it would be a winner given soft ground.

“Well he got soft ground and Danny was right.”

The family laid a complicated combination of spread bets, with Danny allocating £20 for each person, except Mrs Shea, who had £60.

The other winners were son Martin, daughter Lesley, sisters Pat and Gloria, brotherin- law Pete and five friends.

The largest share of the winnings went to Mrs Shea, who visited Eston Cemetery on Sunday to thank her husband.

She said: “It was all pretty amazing. People are saying ‘how did he know?’ – but he was completely convinced. I was glad when the notes were out of the house and the bets were made.

“I have to say I thought ‘what a waste of money’, but it’s what Danny wanted.

“In the end, it’s not the money. We never expected to win and I do not know what I will do with it, except give some to the grandkids and nephews and nieces.

“It was the thought of the bet which kept Danny going through his cancer.”