An England supporter who spent his life savings taking his grandad to the World Cup has been left gobsmacked after a company inspired by his touching story handed him the money back.
Jacob Allmendinger sacrificed £10,000 he’d been setting aside for a house deposit to give Geoff Golliker, 80, the trip of a lifetime across the USA and Mexico. The 21-year-old man had been taken to Hull City matches by his grandad since he was a young lad and said he wanted to repay the favour.
Jacob and Geoff headed to New York and Atlanta for the fixtures against Panama and DR Congo, as well as witnessing the historic 3-2 victory at the Azteca Stadium against Mexico. During their time overseas, the duo say they were repeatedly stopped in the street by members of the public who recognised them after their heartwarming tale went viral.
Daily Star reports Jacob was also approached via social media by US-based online crypto casino Metawin, who pledged to reimburse the money should England beat Panama by more than two goals.
When that failed to materialise, the firm took to X to inform followers they would honour the same pledge if England defeated DR Congo − and Jacob was left speechless when they kept their word following the 2-1 victory. Jacob, from North Ferriby, East Yorkshire, said: “I was amazed, it was an incredible gesture really.
“They had contacted me on social media about the story and tweeted about paying the money back if we beat Panama by more than two goals. When we only won 2-0 they said they would still pay £10,000 if we won against DR Congo by any score. I didn’t quite believe it, to be honest, until I looked at my bank and it was there.
“I was just in shock. I think I’ll save the money until I get back home. I’ll put it in a savings account for now and see what happens after the next couple of months.
“We could go to the European Championships, I could buy a house, anything is possible. It’s just great to have options. We’ve had an amazing trip so far. We’re still in Mexico at the minute and fly tomorrow to Miami for the quarter final. The Mexico game was a once-in-a-generation game to watch.”
“The parallels to now and 1966 when we last beat Mexico in the World Cup and then went on to win the whole thing, it kind of gets you giddy for the rest of the trip.”
Jacob revealed he’d been flooded with heartwarming responses from the public since the story broke. He told the BBC: “I think it just resonates with people. I’ve had people reach out who have lost their grandparents and how they wish they’d done something similar. It just makes us cherish this time more, really.”
Geoff added “We’re getting recognised quite a bit. “When we were in New York, a guy came up to us and said, ‘are you the guys travelling round?’ It was brilliant.
“The Mexican fans were absolutely fantastic. Very happy, very boisterous. The atmosphere that’s built up is fantastic.” Speaking ahead of their trip, Jacob, who had been saving for five years with the dream of one day getting on the property ladder, said: “I can always make money back, I’m at the age where I can afford to miss out on a house for two or three years.
“But I won’t ever get to go to the World Cup with my grandad again. We get on like a house on fire. We’re more best mates than grandad and grandson.”
