What was meant to be a moment of triumph for one man and his family has now become a heartbreaking story.
Tim McCarthy, a 64-year-old contestant on The Chase, won an incredible £100,000 jackpot—only to pass away just a month later, before ever getting the chance to enjoy his winnings.
The former teacher from Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, kept the outcome of his appearance on the ITV quiz show a secret from loved ones.
His family and friends only discovered his victory when the episode aired, turning what should have been a joyous reveal into a poignant farewell.
Keeping Everyone Guessing
McCarthy, known for his sharp mind and passion for general knowledge, had been encouraged to apply by friends and relatives who admired his intellect.
But even after filming, he refused to spoil the surprise.
Instead, his loved ones gathered in a Manchester pub to watch the episode unfold, knowing it would be the first—and last—time they’d see him take on the Chasers.
“He loved to keep us guessing,” recalled close friend Jen Headey.
“I miss his bear hugs, his laugh, even his Manc accent.
Watching the show was like hearing him again, even if only in the past tense.”
A Risk That Paid Off
The episode itself was filled with drama. McCarthy had a rough start, winning just £1,000 in the head-to-head round.
But when faced with a bold £95,000 offer, he took the risk.
Against the odds, he succeeded, bringing the team’s total to £100,000.
In the final round, it came down to the wire. Chaser Jenny Ryan nearly caught them, but missed out by less than a second, cementing McCarthy’s victory alongside his teammate.
A Bucket List Moment
Despite being seriously ill, McCarthy was determined to take part in the show.
His wife Rachel revealed that appearing on The Chase had been on his bucket list, even though he knew his time was limited. “He was so excited to be chosen,” she said.
“It was going to be very difficult to watch, but it was part of his dream.”
She added, “He was the most clever man I ever knew.”
More Than Just a Quizzer
Beyond the spotlight of a TV show, McCarthy’s life was filled with achievements.
A physics graduate from the University of Manchester at just 19, he went on to become a respected headteacher and education leader.
He served as principal of Stockport Academy and later helped establish schools in the UK, Dubai, and India as chief executive of Aurora Academies Trust.
Back in 2000, he even made headlines after placing a bet with his pupils at Avondale High School, promising to share the winnings if their GCSE results improved.
The gamble worked—students pushed themselves, results went up, and he used the winnings to celebrate with staff and students alike.
A Celebration of Life
At The Colliers pub in Manchester, friends and family watched the episode together, raising glasses in his memory.
What could have been a sad gathering turned into what his widow described as “a celebration of life.”
Friend Stuart Keane summed it up simply: “Tim was a brilliant friend with a brilliant mind.”
