A kind-hearted competition winner was so moved by his rival’s story he shared the £1,000 prize money.

Tim Cox, from Poynton, scooped the cash in radio station Key 103’s Halloween Lock Up competition.

But the 52-year-old maintenance manager’s windfall came at the expense of fellow competitor David De Souza, who was seriously injured preventing an insurgent attack while he was working for a security firm in Iraq in 2007.

David, 41, from Manchester, entered the breakfast competition which required him to lie in a coffin and emerge when he guessed 60 minutes had passed.

He planned to donate the prize money straight to the Royal British Legion to help war veterans.

But when he failed to guess correctly, the cash went to Tim who correctly predicted that he would press the buzzer and escape after 88 minutes.

But is a shock move Tim offered to split the prize, bringing both men to tears.

It also inspired listeners to donate thousands of pounds to David’s Just-giving page.

Tim, a married dad of two who lives on Queensway, said he felt compelled to share the prize.

He added: “I was really touched by David’s story. Guys like David who put they life on the line for others are legends, real heroes.

“I decided to enter the competition and that if I won I would give up 50 per cent. I couldn’t believe I won it. I was blubbering on air. I think everyone was. For a guy to suffer horrendous injuries then raise money for veterans deserved my support.

“£1,000 is a lot of money to someone like me, so I was happy to hand back half. That way, everyone wins.”

As for his £500 Tim said he’s share the spoils with his wife Debbie and sons James, 28, and Matthew, 24.

Speaking on the show David said: “I’m speechless and overwhelmed by the generosity. I had no clue that anyone would donate while I was in there. When people think of war veterans they think of old men, men in their 80’s and 90’s but unfortunately there isn’t many of those left anymore. Now war veterans are in their 20’s and upwards. I was lucky enough to see the poppy memorial in London last year and it really stuck with me. I wanted to do something to keep the memories alive.”

If you want to donate visit justgiving.com/David-De-Souza1