A Wiltshire grandmother is celebrating a life-changing windfall after her persistence with an online prize draw paid off spectacularly, netting her family a multi-million-pound property in one of Britain's most picturesque regions.
A £25 Ticket to a Multi-Million Pound Dream
Nicola Dickinson, 59, from Swindon, became an instant multi-millionaire after her £25 Omaze subscription entry was drawn as the winner of a stunning £4.5 million home in the Lake District. The property comes complete with its own private lake, marking an extraordinary turn of fortune for the retired HR worker and her husband of 38 years, Martyn, 58.
Nicola had been entering the charity draws for four years, a habit her husband frequently advised her to stop. "Martyn has been moaning at me to stop - he told me I'd 'never win in a million years'," she revealed with a smile. "But winning has shown this is precisely why I never listen to him, and thank goodness I didn't - we're multi-millionaires now."
An Ordinary Day Turned Extraordinary
The life-altering news arrived on a perfectly mundane day while Nicola was at home in Swindon looking after her granddaughter and doing housework. A call from Omaze initially seemed too good to be true. "I put the phone down and said to my husband, 'That was Omaze, apparently I've won something, but it can't be real,'" she recalled.
After a moment of scepticism where she even took off her coat and boots, a follow-up call confirmed the unbelievable news. "I was thinking best case scenario I may have won £1,000 - which would've been lovely! Winning a house never crossed my mind," Nicola admitted. The couple's celebrations began immediately, with Nicola joking that "Dry Jan never stood a chance."
Financial Freedom and Future Choices
The win provides the Dickinsons with remarkable financial security and a wealth of options. The house is mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered, and comes furnished with over £150,000 worth of interiors. On top of the property, Nicola received £250,000 in cash to help with the transition.
The family can choose to live in the Lakeland mansion, rent it out for an estimated £4,000 per month, or sell it to become cash multi-millionaires. "This win has taken so much pressure off us financially," Nicola said. "It gives us security, stability and peace of mind in a way we'd never even dreamed of."
The timing was particularly poignant, as the couple had been discussing downsizing that very morning to manage their outgoings. "Now we've upsized - massively," Nicola laughed. "It's a funny old world."
Property Highlights and Charitable Impact
The luxurious property, accessed via a woodland driveway, features a double-height entrance hall, floor-to-ceiling windows, a designer kitchen with Swedish cabinetry, and a main bedroom with a freestanding bath overlooking the lake. It also boasts a private lakeside wellness area with a sauna, hot tub, and outdoor shower.
Beyond the personal win, the draw supported a vital cause. Omaze donated £1 million to the RSPCA from the proceeds, funding rehabilitation for neglected and abused animals. James Oakes of Omaze confirmed the platform has now raised over £100 million for UK charities.
For Nicola and Martyn, the win represents a legacy for their three children and three grandchildren. "We're looking forward to further supporting our children and grandchildren, to help give them the best possible start in life," Nicola said. "The win feels like a generational legacy for our family." With Nicola turning 60 in May, the couple now plans to slow down and enjoy life together, with retirement looking very different indeed.
