Sometimes, life throws you a surprise that’s so unbelievable, you have to pinch yourself just to make sure you’re awake.
That’s exactly what happened to 71-year-old James Moughton, a retired cab driver from Hull, who swapped his modest one-bedroom council flat for a sprawling £4 million beachside mansion in West Sussex—thanks to a £25 charity prize draw entry.
A Win So Big, It Felt Like a Dream
James was having what he called a boring and uneventful week before fate knocked—literally—on his door.
After years of working behind the wheel, he never imagined he’d one day own a luxurious home with uninterrupted sea views, direct beach access, and even a wood-clad hot tub overlooking the coast.
“When I was a cabbie, I used to drop passengers off at posh houses like this,” James said.
“Now I’ve got one of my own. It’s the best tip I’ve ever had!”
His Modest Past Meets a Millionaire Future
After two decades of driving through Hull’s streets, James’s life took a complete turn with the Omaze Million Pound House Draw.
Not only did he receive the fully-furnished, mortgage-free home, but he also bagged a £250,000 cash prize to help him settle into his new lifestyle.
He’s now faced with three life-changing options: move into the mansion, rent it out for an estimated £6,000 a month, or sell it altogether and become a multi-millionaire overnight.
A Grandad’s Dream Come True
James isn’t just planning to enjoy the prize solo—he’s already thinking of family memories to come.
With two adult children and a three-year-old grandson named Kasper, he’s gearing up for “a big seaside celebration” to mark the beginning of their new chapter.
“Every day will feel like a holiday here,” he said, beaming.
“I used to live on a council estate, and now I own a coastal paradise.
This sort of thing never happens to people like me.”
Inside the Million-Pound Beach House
The new property is as impressive as it sounds.
With four bedrooms, three spacious reception rooms, and a sweeping first-floor living space that boasts its own integrated bar, the house is filled with high-end features.
Floor-to-ceiling windows open up to sun-soaked terraces, while a triple-aspect kitchen is fitted with top-tier appliances from Neff, Siemens, Bosch and more.
And let’s not forget the outdoor perks: an Ooni pizza oven, BBQ area, private access to the beach, a guest studio above the garage, and even a heated dog shower that James jokes is bigger than the bathroom in his old flat.
A Humble Life Transformed
Despite all the excitement, James is still wrapping his head around the win.
“The births of my kids and grandson were the best days of my life—but this win runs a close second,” he said.
“I might just dip my toes in the sea for now, but who knows—I might learn to swim after all.”
He added, “Living on a pension meant watching every penny.
But now I don’t have to worry about money again—it’s cold beers on the sun lounger from here on out.”
A Jackpot With a Purpose: Funding MND Research
While James is celebrating, the win also has a powerful ripple effect.
The Sussex-based Omaze Million Pound House Draw raised a staggering £4.1 million for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
That funding will support 24 specialist MND research nurses for over two years, giving hope and access to clinical trials for people living with the fatal neurological condition.
MND affects around 5,000 people in the UK, disrupting their ability to walk, talk, eat and breathe.
There is currently no cure, but funding like this brings the medical community one step closer.
Changing Lives Through Charity and Chance
Tanya Curry, CEO of the MND Association, described the money raised as “a beacon of hope” for those affected.
“Since our partnership with Omaze began, over 300 people will have been diagnosed with MND—and they’re being told there’s no treatment and no cure.
But this generosity could change that.”
James Oakes, President of Omaze, also celebrated the impact: “James has won an incredible home, but what makes this even more special is knowing that over £4 million has been raised for such an important cause.”
Want to Be the Next Winner?
If you’re feeling lucky, Omaze’s next Million Pound House Draw is already underway—this time in Cheshire.
Entries are open now at omaze.co.uk, with the Grand Prize Draw closing on Sunday, 27 July 2025 (online) and Tuesday, 29 July 2025 (by post).
James may have started his week avoiding sunburn and popping to the corner shop—but by the end of it, he was a beachside homeowner and a newly-minted millionaire.
And who knows? Next time, it could be you.