A Newcastle dad who won £5.4m from an online slot game has married his partner at James' Park - with Betfred boss Fred Done as the guest of honour.
Newcastle United fan Michael Clark, 32, tied the knot with bride Sherelle Pooley in a glitzy ceremony on Thursday, July 6, six months after his life-changing windfall. And the couple, who became Betfred's biggest-ever winners in its 56-year history, made sure to show their appreciation by inviting the bookie boss to join them on their special day.
Michael's 'rags to riches journey' began last Christmas when he won £5.4m from a £1.40 spin on the King Kong Cashpots online slot game. Life has taken a big upturn for the couple and their three children ever since.
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Michael splashed £750,000 on a five-bedroom Killingworth home, paid for in cash, a world away from where the newlyweds used to live on Walker council estate. Michael has also bought a quad bike, electric motorcycle, jacuzzi and a pool table.
“It’s been absolute chaos since I became not just a millionaire, but a multi-millionaire. There’s no denying it – it’s been absolutely manic," he said.
“I’ve taken proper advice about investing my money, but as a family, we are determined to enjoy ourselves.
“It’s brilliant that Fred, who is such a down-to-earth fella, has made all this possible. I was chuffed to bits when he turned up to celebrate our big day. Without him, this wouldn't have been possible."
Michael has also made sure his parents also have new homes, while he and Sherelle have been touring Scotland, the Lake District and Bridlington in their brand new £60,000 campervan.
"I’m passionate about my family and if I can help people I will," Michael said.
“I chose the venue for the wedding, while Sherelle chose everything else. She always wanted a big wedding and she certainly had that.
“Soon I’ll have passed my driving test and then I can go car shopping. I thought at first maybe a Tesla, but now I’ve got my eyes on a Range Rover because it’ll be better for getting the family around."
Michael who is a huge Newcastle United supporter, has been unable to get his hands on season tickets at St James’ Park but settled for shirts with Mr and Mrs Clark on the back for now.
Sherelle didn’t even have a passport before their huge lifestyle change, but in the first six months of this year they’ve been to Amsterdam three times, Tenerife – and are due to go on a £13,000 luxury honeymoon to Dubai and the Maldives.
Michael also replaced Sherelle’s engagement ring with one costing £7,000 and splashed out again on diamond earrings, a necklace and a bracelet for her 28th birthday.
Sherelle said: "We have been together for 11 years and engaged for seven. We would probably have got married when we could have afforded it at a registry office.
"Now we can afford all this, not just for us, but for all family and friends who are so important to us. It's just fantastic and what a start to married life."
However, Michael said he is still partial to a Greggs and KFC - the place where he met wife Sherelle more than a decade ago.
“I still enjoy a Greggs bacon sandwich for breakfast, while KFC remains a special place for us as it’s where Sherelle and I met 11 years ago,” he went on.
“I go for a Zinger Stacker, but she always has a fillet with no sauce. That’s what she had when I used to work at KFC and she tracked me down to another branch and we went for a coffee. At least I know she’s not after my money!”
Betfred boss Fred Done said ot was 'wonderful' to share in Michael and Sherelle’s big day.
"I feel proud that Betfred made it all possible," he said.
"They can look forward to a fantastic life. His good fortune proves two things – nice guys can have all the luck and anyone can win big from tiny stakes at Betfred.”
