A HEADTEACHER has tragically passed away just one month after winning a £100,000 jackpot on The Chase.
Tim McCarthy, from Tyldesley in Greater Manchester, died in July aged 64 following a long illness.
His wife Rachel McCarthy revealed he knew he was terminally ill with only months to live when he took part in the hit ITV quiz show.
Tim recorded his episode of The Chase a few months ago, but was unable to reveal the results due to contractual obligations.
Before the episode aired, only his widow, Rachel McCarthy, along with his three children knew of his win, reports the BBC.
Friends and family gathered in a local Manchester pub last night to watch the quizzer’s performance, not knowing the outcome.
Tim was joined by fellow players Lorcan, Shirin and Julie as they battled it out against Jenny “the vixen” Ryan is a bid to scoop the cash.
Lorcan banked £5k for the team but both Shirin and Julie were sent packing during their head-to-head with Jenny.
Last up was Tim, who had a disappointing start as he answered just one question correctly in the initial head-to-head, bagging £1,000.
But in the second round, the headteacher went with the riskiest offer on the table – £95,000.
In a stunning performance he won the money, bringing the prize jackpot up to £100,000 as the other remaining contestant had won £5,000 earlier on.
Tim’s widow Rachel told the BBC: “He was so excited when he was selected for the show even though he was very ill.”
Mrs McCarthy said watching the episode was “going to be very difficult but it was part of his bucket list”.
She said her husband had known he only had months to live when he went on the show.
“He was the most clever man I ever knew,” Rachel added.
Friend Stuart Keane added that the late quizzer was a “brilliant friend with a brilliant mind”.
Jen Headey said: “We lost Tim last month, he never told us how he did, he wasn’t allowed.
“He loved to keep us guessing thought. We will be gathering round our set with friends to watch our very good friend Tim battle it out with the Chasers.
“I know a few other establishments up and down the country will be joining in to celebrate this moment.”
