Last month, 58-year-old Grant Carson, who was diagnosed with arthritis as a youngster, left his 27-year position as a disability charity employee to become a freelance consultant.
Now he has won the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Daily Mail reported.
The beautifully finished five-bedroom 18th century farmhouse is set in more than eight acres of land offering incredible 360-degree panoramic views – just a short drive from Lake Windermere.
The house comes mortgage free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered.He spent £100 for 850 entries to the draw which has also also raised a staggering £850,000 for the Dogs Trust charity.
Grant had worked for a charity in Glasgow for 27 years helping disabled people with all aspects of life – specialising in employment and accessible housing.
But in December he decided to embark on a new career path as a freelance consultant helping organisations to meet the needs of disabled customers.
Sadly Grant’s wife Ruth passed away in 2011.The couple had been together for over 25 years, meeting at college when they were both teenagers.
He has lived in his current three-bedroom semi-detached house in Glasgow for 17 years.Grant said he is now looking forward to getting a dog, which is something that was previously out of the question.
He was was diagnosed with chronic arthritis when he was just seven years old, which means doing regular long walks could prove challenging.
But he says as his new home is surrounded by such ‘idyllic countryside’ and he can ‘definitely afford a dog walker’ making it the perfect time to finally own a dog.
The Omaze team surprised Grant at his home in Glasgow to tell him he had scooped the grand prize house.
Stunned Grant said: ‘When the Omaze team rang my doorbell I couldn’t quite believe it at first, it’s not your average Friday night that someone comes to your door and tells you that you’ve won a £2,500,000 house!
‘I’ve never really won anything before this, but now I might be one of the luckiest men in Scotland!
‘I’ve just left my old job helping disabled people across Glasgow, which I had done for 27 years, so starting out as a freelance consultant was a big change, but this win has given me a financial security I’d never dreamed of, which means I can focus on my new venture helping organisations to meet the needs of disabled customers, with a lot less pressure.
‘I love the Lake District, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the country, I’m still pinching myself that I actually own a house here.
‘I’m not sure what I’ll do long-term yet, but I’m going to move in for a while and enjoy it.
‘Whatever I decide, it’s a truly life changing win for me.
‘Having worked at a charity for so long, I know first-hand how important it is to raise money, I think these Omaze draws are fantastic for the charitable sector.’
Grant can choose to live in the house, rent it out or sell it. If he does decide to rent it out, local estate agents estimate that the property could bring in more than £5,000 a month.
Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said: ‘This innovative prize draw has raised an astonishing amount for Dogs Trust, and we’re so grateful to everyone who entered – the money raised will go towards our vital ongoing work to take care of dogs and find them their forever homes – which at the moment, sadly, so many are in need of.
‘Congratulations to Grant for winning the Lake District house – what an incredible way to start his new year – and I’m delighted that he will finally be able to get a dog, who will no doubt enjoy the amazing residence as much as Grant will.’
