Thursday 18th November, 2021 at 3:47pm
Recent 50/50 draw winner Leanne Baker says the top prize was worth the wait – after 21 years of buying tickets every week!
Jags fan Leanne scooped the 50/50 jackpot during our recent home match with Inverness CT, and credits 50/50 draw volunteer Ian Bateman as her lucky omen.
She said: “I was born and brought up in Hampshire and Partick Thistle came into my life when I met my husband Richard, who has supported the club since he was a boy. We met 25 years ago and he and I moved back to Scotland 21 years ago, at which point being Thistle season ticket holders became part of the deal – and everything that goes with that, including buying 50/50 draw tickets. I’m happy to support such a great club and cause.
“So I’ve been buying them every week for 21 years without winning a penny – until this. Prior to Covid I’d always bought them from the same person, Ian Bateman, however when fans returned we parked in a different spot and started buying them from another volunteer. However on the day of my win, I spotted Ian halfway down the South Drive and said to my husband that I just had to go and buy one – so it was definitely meant to be as he sold me the lucky ticket.”
Twenty one years of 50/50 ticket investments adds up to a decent sum with Leanne’s investment helping support club finances and ultimately the first team. So we asked Leanne for any on the pitch highlights from those 21 years which stand out – and she picked out a couple of mavericks.
Leanne said: “The one thing I’ve only ever seen once was when Quinton Jacobs scored direct from a corner, which amazed me. It was against Queen of the South I think – it’s just so rare, I loved seeing that goal.
“We also used to go along to reserve games and I remember Chic Charnley was playing in one just before he hung up his boots. I hadn’t seen him play before and my husband said to me that Chic was capable of scoring from the halfway line – well, you know what happened next, he scored from the halfway line! Classic Thistle.”
Everyone at the club appreciates the support of Leanne, Richard and all supporters who purchase 50/50 tickets week in, week out.
Will you buy the lucky ticket for this Saturday? Buy yours here.
