BRITAIN'S unluckiest racing punter died yesterday - just as he was due to pick up a £15,000 windfall.

Jack Lee, 75, had been on an emotional rollercoaster ride since scooping what he thought was a £1m win earlier this month at his local branch of Ladbrokes.

His dreams disintegrated as he realised one of the horses he had backed in a six horse accumulator had been disqualified, leaving him with nothing.

To add insult to injury he heard of another punter who had successfully scooped £1m on the same type of bet.

And kind-hearted Stuart Bolland, 42, decided to give Mr Lee a £15,000 sympathy gift from his winnings.

Mr Lee was due to pick up the money yesterday, but was found dead by his family when they went to collect him.

The widower had died from a heart attack after successfully overcoming bowel cancer.

He lived with close friend Joyce Nicholson, 73, in Walker, Newcastle, before she moved to a nursing home.

Joyce's neice, Margaret Meanes, 59, and husband Tommy, 65, were at the house yesterday.

Mrs Meanes said: "We believe it could have been the excitement of the day ahead that caused it - but I suppose we'll never know.

Ladbrokes also paid tribute to dad of four Jack, a retired electrician.

A spokesman said: "We would like to send our condolences to Jack's family. It is very sad news that this has happened. He was a regular punter at our shop in Walker. The manager and our staff were very fond of him."