It had all the makings of a typical Friday night. Following a strenuous week and a lengthy search for a movie to watch, we eventually settled for the third choice on Netflix. While casually watching the film and enjoying my third glass of red wine, I absentmindedly scrolled through Facebook on my phone.
Suddenly, an advertisement from Omaze grabbed my attention. The ad featured a luxurious beachfront house in Sussex up for raffle, just a short drive from my location. Intrigued, I immersed myself in the details, envisioning the grandeur of owning a £4 million property nearby.
The enticing ad described the property’s features, inviting me to enjoy a south-facing breakfast at a stylish table and explore the prestigious Angmering-on-Sea estate. The prospect of walking to the village station to greet friends arriving from London added to the charm of the seaside retreat.
Captivated by the opportunity, I contemplated the odds of winning, comparable to hitting the National Lottery jackpot. Despite not being a habitual gambler, spurred by boredom or perhaps the influence of red wine, I decided to participate. However, by the end of the lackluster movie, my wager was nearly forgotten as I retired for the night.
A week later, an email from Omaze with the subject line “You’ve won…” reignited my interest. Although my initial excitement waned upon discovering a modest £15 prize, the return on my investment seemed reasonable.
Despite the underwhelming win, the allure of Omaze’s raffle persisted when another lavish seaside property in Cornwall caught my eye. Compelled by the stunning property and its proximity to family, I reinvested my winnings in multiple tickets for the Cornwall house competition.
While my hopes were high for the Cornwall house, reality set in as the £3 million property went to Jon Dexter, a retired physics teacher from Doncaster. The winner of the West Sussex mansion was James Moughton, a former taxi driver from Hull, who expressed disbelief and gratitude for the life-changing prize.
As for my own luck, I am still awaiting my first big win. Despite the outcome, the experience has left me hopeful for future opportunities.