A woman who disregarded her husband’s advice to stop participating in Omaze contests has clinched a £4.5 million mansion, quipping, “This is exactly why I never listen to my husband.”
Nicola Dickinson, aged 59, instantly became a multi-millionaire by winning the stunning Lake District residence, which boasts a private lake. She secured her winning ticket for only £25 as part of her Omaze subscription, having entered various draws over a four-year period.
Following her triumph, Nicola disclosed that her husband of 38 years, Martyn, aged 58, had persistently warned her that she would “never win in a million years” – a piece of advice she is now grateful she chose to ignore. The mansion is mortgage-free, with all expenses such as stamp duty and legal fees covered, in addition to over £150,000 worth of furnishings.
Nicola also received £250,000 in cash to assist with settling in, and she has the option to reside in the house, rent it out for additional income, or sell it at any time. On the day Omaze contacted Nicola, she was at her home in Swindon, Wiltshire, with her granddaughter, engaged in mundane household chores.
Even as she conversed with her husband about potentially downsizing earlier that day, Nicola was incredulous when the call came through. Overwhelmed with joy, she remarked, “The day we found out I’d won, I was at home looking after my granddaughter and doing a spot of boring housework – nothing exciting at all. It was just a very ordinary day, or so I thought.”
Despite her initial disbelief, Nicola eventually embraced the reality of her win. Reflecting on her journey with Omaze, she shared, “I’ve been entering for four years. Martyn has been moaning at me to stop – but I liked that even if I didn’t win, I was supporting amazing charities. But winning has shown this is precisely why I never listen to him, and thank goodness I didn’t – we’re multi-millionaires now.”
The prospects of renting out the property could yield around £4,000 per month, according to local estate agents. Nicola’s win not only transformed her financial outlook but also opened up possibilities for her family’s future.