It’s often said that a person’s word is their bond—something to be honored and upheld, no matter what. In a world where contracts are often backed by signatures and legal jargon, it’s refreshing to hear a story where a promise, made decades ago, is still kept in the most heartfelt way possible.
A Promise Made Thirty Years Ago
Thomas Cook and Joseph Feeney have been best friends for over thirty years. In 1992, during a casual conversation, they made a pact that would come to define their friendship. They promised each other that if one of them ever won a significant amount of money in the lottery, the other would receive half. It might have seemed like a simple, almost trivial promise at the time, but as life went on, it turned into something far more profound.
They both went on with their lives, kept their weekly lottery tickets, and waited, without any expectation of immediate success. Decades passed, and neither man won the jackpot—until one day, everything changed.
A Life-Changing Call
Thomas Cook couldn’t believe his luck. One morning, while having breakfast, he received the most exciting news of his life—he had won the lottery. But not just any lottery; he had won a staggering €22 million! It was the moment he had dreamed of, but what happened next was even more extraordinary.
Without hesitation, Thomas immediately called his lifelong friend, Joseph Feeney, to share the life-changing news. The two of them had always stayed true to their weekly lottery ritual, and now, their shared dream had come true. Thomas didn’t waste any time letting Joseph know that he was going to honor their decades-old promise.
“I’ve just won nearly 20 million euros,” Thomas told his friend. “And like I promised, I’m giving you half of it.”
For Thomas, there was no second-guessing his decision. “A handshake is a handshake, my friend,” he added, assuring Joseph that he had no intention of breaking the pact they made so long ago.
The Meaning Behind the Gesture
This story isn’t just about winning a large sum of money; it’s about the loyalty and trust that two friends had for each other all those years. In an era where such promises might be taken lightly or forgotten, Thomas Cook’s immediate action shows the power of keeping your word, no matter how long it takes.
For many of us, a simple promise can sometimes be a fleeting thought. But for Thomas and Joseph, that promise became a bond that withstood time, distance, and life’s ups and downs. When the moment finally came, it was as though no time had passed, and their commitment to each other remained as strong as ever.
This act of generosity was a reminder that there is more to winning the lottery than just the money. It’s about the people you share it with and the principles you choose to uphold. For Thomas, sharing the winnings with Joseph wasn’t just the right thing to do—it was a chance to give back to someone who had always been there for him.
As the story of Thomas and Joseph’s incredible friendship and promise continues to circulate, it serves as a touching reminder of the bonds that can last a lifetime—and the powerful impact of keeping a promise.
