Mesothelioma patient Jon Matthews placed a series of bets following his diagnosis, betting bookmakers he would outlive his doctor’s predictions. In addition to the $16,000 he has already won, Matthews stands to win something he did not anticipate… a hot date.
After Lee Woong-jin, chief executive of Sunoo, a match-making company in Seoul, South Korea, learned of Matthew’s story, he was inspired, stating, “I wanted to tell him personally that his actions not only affected his life, but also gave hope to people worldwide who are dealing with devastating life situations.”
The company has arranged for a woman to fly to Britain, where Matthews lives, and enjoy a date with the gambler at “an expensive restaurant with fine wine” in August. The woman will be selected by the company from a list created by Matthews after viewing profiles and photographs from applicants on the Sunoo Web site.
The company will conduct phone interviews and background checks on the women selected by Matthews to ensure, among other things, that the woman is indeed single.
“I think the woman can learn a lot from Mr. Matthews’ views on life,” said Erica Oh, a Sunoo manager. According to Oh, what happens after the fancy dinner “is up to the woman and Mr. Matthews.”
Interested single women from around the world may apply to be Matthews’ date through the Sunoo Web site www.couple.net through July 26.
Matthews received publicity after placing numerous bets following his mesothelioma diagnosis in April 2006. Doctors told Matthews he should not make any plans for Christmas of that year but the negative prognosis inspired Matthews to bet he could live longer than anyone thought.
Matthews collected his first winnings in June 2008 and received his second round of winnings in June of this year. Matthews stands to collect an additional $16,500 in June 2010.
Following Matthews’ first win, Graham Sharp, spokesman for the bookmakers who accepted Matthews’ unusual bet, said, “Never in 30 years in this business have I been so pleased to pay a winning client.”
“Just because I’m dying, it doesn’t mean I can’t have fun. I smoke 30 cigarettes a day, enjoy a pint and like the occasional flutter (small bet), especially when I’m winning,” Matthews stated. In addition to the thrill of gambling, Matthews also enjoys the rush of a fast rollercoaster.
“When a doctor or a surgeon says you are going to die, why should I believe it? Don’t take situations and setbacks as permanent,” said Matthews. “They never are.”
Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the mesothelioma Center.