'You have made our Christmas' - Tipperary man's 'Lidl wish' turns into €25k wedding windfall

A Tipperary man's wish came true on Tuesday morning when Lidl Ireland arrived at his door to present a cheque for a whopping €25,000.

Tipperary Town native Alan Kenny was picked as the overall winner of the Make a Lidl Wish Christmas campaign from over 2,000 wishes nationwide. 

A father of two girls, Alan's Christmas wish was to marry his partner of 20 years, Natasha Quinn. The couple has been engaged for eight years, but unfortunately, the trials and tribulations of everyday life and the significant cost of a wedding have gotten in the way.

Speaking about the surprise, Alan said: “I just want to thank you all so, so much for everything, you have made our Christmas!

"The phones have not stopped going off and my mother rang me balling crying! Lidl have done so much for our family, we are so grateful!”

Much to his partner Natasha’s surprise, Lidl Tipperary Town Deputy Store Manager Katie Crowe woke her up and surprised her with a cheque for €25,000 to fulfil their dream of getting married.

“I think I’m still in a little shock! Our two girls have been asking for years when we’ll get married, and they are over the moon! Lidl have truly made our family’s wish come true and we can’t say thank you enough," Natasha commented. 

The surprise handover was made with the help of Today FM's Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show with reporters and Lidl staff on hand to capture their reaction to their dream wedding windfall. 

Katie Crowe, Deputy Store Manager, at Lidl Tipperary Town said: “It’s one of those moments you just don’t forget. We’re delighted to be in the position to bring such surprise, joy and a Lidl bit of Christmas magic to Alan, Natasha and the girls this Christmas. Happy Christmas everyone!”