Lauren Keene has made history as the youngest winner of the much-coveted Omaze Million Pound House Draw, becoming the delighted owner of a stunning five-bedroom mansion inspired by Hollywood Hills aesthetics, nestled in the picturesque Wirral. This dream property, boasting spectacular coastal views, a cinema room, and a heated swimming pool, was secured with a mere £20 ticket, marking a life-changing moment for the young winner.
In addition to the remarkable property, Ms. Keene received an immediate cash gift of £250,000 to assist her in settling into her luxurious new abode. This generous prize package means she owns the mansion outright, free from any mortgage burdens, and all legal fees associated with the property have been fully covered. This financial security allows her the freedom to explore various options; she can choose to reside in the house, rent it out with a projected monthly income of around £8,000, or even sell it, stepping into a new financial realm as a multi-millionaire.
The moment of revelation came unexpectedly while Lauren was en route to a McDonald’s drive-thru. The call she received informing her of her spectacular win turned an ordinary Friday into a life-altering day. Reflecting on that moment, Lauren shared, “It was just an ordinary Friday really; I was heading for a McDonald’s after work when I got a call from Omaze telling me I’d won something. I was sceptical—and hungry—but went straight home to see what I’d won.” As she arrived at her house, the Omaze team was already there, ready to unveil the exciting news. “The next thing we knew, the Omaze team were all there telling us we’d won a £3 million mansion. I was gobsmacked. It was definitely worth missing my McDonald’s for; it’s made me a multi-millionaire. We did end up celebrating with a Maccies afterwards, and it was a very, very happy meal indeed.”
Living with her father in a humble two-bedroom flat in Gloucester, Lauren expressed her disbelief at the transformation her life has undergone. “The house is unreal. It really does feel like something you’d find in the Hollywood Hills. It’s made for parties, and we can’t wait to get everyone we know up here for a big bash,” she said, looking ahead to the future she and her partner can now envision in their new home. Lauren and her partner, Ryan Mitchell, a software engineer, have been together since they were both 18 years old. This long-standing relationship has anchored their journey from viewing houses they deemed unattainable to suddenly finding themselves in possession of a remarkable mansion. “We’ve been together since we were 18, and never in our wildest dreams did we ever think we’d end up owning a place like this. Only last week we were viewing houses we thought we could never afford, but now our first property is a £3m mansion. It’s crazy to think we’ll never have a mortgage.”
The generous fundraising effort of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw on the Wirral not only provided Lauren with an extraordinary prize but also contributed significantly to local communities. The draw raised an impressive £3.5 million for the Scouts, the largest youth movement in the UK. The funds generated from this initiative will be instrumental in opening new groups, particularly in low-income areas, further enriching the lives of children and young people in those communities. This partnership between Omaze and the Scouts has been hailed as a tremendous success, with Aidan Jones, the CEO of Scouts, expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm. He stated, “Our partnership with Omaze has been just brilliant. The partnership will allow us to help grow our new Squirrel Scout section. The funds generated will help over 16,000 four- and five-year-olds learn key life skills. As well as the funds we had expected to generate from working with Omaze, we are blown away by the extra funds that have been created.”
James Oakes, the Chief International Officer at Omaze, shared in the excitement, stating, “Everyone at Omaze is thrilled that Lauren has won this wonderful house on the Wirral, whilst also contributing to the £3.5 million raised for Scouts. Omaze offers people the chance to win amazing houses, whilst also introducing charities to new audiences that they wouldn’t normally reach—it’s a real win-win for entrants and our charity partners. We’re immensely proud that the Omaze community has now raised over £67 million for good causes across the UK.”
As the Omaze community celebrates Lauren’s incredible win, they also look toward future opportunities. The next Omaze Million Pound House Draw, set in the stunning Lake District, is currently open for entries. Enthusiastic participants can enter until Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26, 2024, for online entries. Additionally, postal entries can be submitted until Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Prospective entrants also have the option to subscribe to Omaze, which provides an automatic entry into each Grand Prize Draw held every month. This subscription model gives participants significant advantages, including at least four times the number of entries compared to those who enter without a subscription. Entrants have the flexibility to cancel their subscriptions at any time, adding to the appeal of participating in these draws.
As Lauren embarks on this new chapter of her life, her story serves as an inspiring reminder of how fortune can strike unexpectedly, transforming lives in the blink of an eye. For many, the thrill of possibility remains, as they contemplate their own chances to win incredible prizes while simultaneously supporting charitable causes that make a real difference in people’s lives.
As her tale spreads, so too does the excitement and hope that comes with the chance to change one’s life through participation in the Omaze draws. Whether it’s dream homes, incredible cash prizes, or meaningful contributions to community-oriented initiatives, the impact of such opportunities is profound and far-reaching. The journey of Lauren Keene is but one shining example of how dreams can evolve into reality, serving as a source of encouragement for countless others who dare to believe in the extraordinary possibilities that await them.
In conclusion, Lauren’s unexpected journey from a humble life in Gloucester to becoming a multi-millionaire homeowner exemplifies the magic of chance and the beauty of community support through philanthropic endeavors like those facilitated by Omaze. Her enthusiasm and readiness to celebrate not only her own fortune but also the positive change enabled by the fundraising illustrate the essence of what these draws are truly about: providing life-changing opportunities while creating a lasting impact on society. The next draw promises new stories of hope and achievement, continuing the legacy of changing lives for the better—one ticket at a time.