Manchester lottery winners surprise 104-year-old veteran with a Christmas gift

A Greater Manchester couple who scooped £12.4m on Euromillions have helped to surprise a 104-year-old war veteran with some treats for Christmas.

Nigel and Sharon Mather, from Bowdon near Altrincham, won the jackpot in 2010 and have teamed up with various charities and organisations in order to use their winnings to help worthy causes.

Centenarian Tom Beevers, who served in the Second World War as a Desert Rat in North Africa, was greeted at his home in Maghull, Merseyside, on Tuesday by the Mathers plus The X-Factor’s LMA Choir - who brought a luxury Christmas hamper and a selection of carols.

The Bootle-born great-great-grandfather said: “It’s a good feeling to have, to think that people think so much of you to come. I can’t put words to it.”

Mr Beevers was presented with the hamper of treats and entertained by the LMA Choir, who sang his favourite carol, Silent Night.

Sharon Mather said: “I feel quite honoured that we have been asked to come and meet Tom today. I have never met anybody over 100 before, and he is a veteran.”

Husband Nigel added: “He was obviously overwhelmed and really pleased, and he said thank you to everyone. “

Mr Beevers was joined on the doorstep by daughter Lynn and granddaughter Alison.

Lynn said Silent Night was his favourite carol because he would sing it during the war, and he used to know the words in German.

Alison said: “There were tears in my eyes when they sang it.”

Mr and Mrs Mather visited Mr Beevers’ as part of their work to support the Everton in the Community charity, which has a Veterans’ Hub for current and former service personnel. He is one of 14 veterans from Merseyside who have been given hampers from National Lottery winners this year.