One million pounds has been raised for the BHF, following the UK’s first ever giveaway of a three-million-pound house through the Omaze Million Pound House Draw.
Marilyn Pratt, from Greater London, was crowned the winner of the Draw, following a six-month campaign run by Omaze to raise funds for our life-saving work.
The 68-year-old said she ‘entered on a whim’ after seeing the house advertised on Facebook. She paid just £10 to purchase 15 entries on the penultimate day of the draw. The lucky winner is now the owner of an Omaze-ing four storey freehold property, in Fulham, that boasts three bedrooms, a separate office and gym space located in the charming walled garden.
Marilyn said: “It’s very strange to think that I’m an instant multi-millionaire, it’s only just starting to sink in. We’ve lived in our house for over 40 years. It hasn’t sunk in at all. It makes me feel so happy that even though this has come at a later stage of my life, I know that my children are always going to be secure and that’s a really nice feeling.”
Talking about her connection to the charity Marilyn explains: “I’ve always had a soft spot for the British Heart Foundation, I had a sister-in-law who had a heart condition from birth. She was in and out of hospital all her life. She never complained about it. She put up a good fight but after a major operation to correct the condition, she passed away in her forties. She was just such a lovely person and she was involved with the British Heart Foundation, so I feel that connection. She’s greatly missed, even now.”
The Omaze Million Pound House Draw has raised an incredible amount of money at a time when the BHF is facing the biggest challenge in its 60-year history. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on their income, cutting their ability to fund research in half and putting future life saving discoveries at risk.
BHF Chief Executive, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, said: “On behalf of everyone at the British Heart Foundation, we’re delighted the house has been won by someone with such a close connection to our cause, and we wholeheartedly congratulate Marilyn and her family.
“Partnering with Omaze has been a vital way for us to raise crucial funds at a time when Covid-19 has devastated our income. The money raised is more than we could have imagined, and will help us continue to fund research to save and improve the lives of the 7.6 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK.”
Los Angeles-based Omaze has already raised over £100 million that has gone to support more than 350 charities around the world, thanks to its unique approach to fundraising.
Through its charity draws, Omaze offers participants the chance to win incredible prizes – ranging from once-in-a-lifetime celebrity experiences to luxury prizes including super-cars and exotic holidays. Eighty percent of the draw profits go directly to the charity partner.
James Oakes, SVP International, Omaze said: “Omaze is a win-win for both charities and donors. By offering incredible prizes like a three-million-pound home, we’re giving people the chance to win, while also introducing charities to donors they wouldn’t have access to otherwise.
“We’re thrilled that Marilyn got to help out a charity that means a lot to her, and just as delighted that this campaign helped to raise more than one million pounds for BHF in the process.”
The money raised by the Omaze partnership will enable the BHF to continue to fund lifesaving research and support the millions people and their families affected by heart and circulatory diseases across the UK at a time when hearts need help more than ever.
