Glasgow widower wins £2.5m mansion in Lake District

Grant Carson, 58, spent just £100 for 850 entries in the Omaze Million Pound House Draw.

The widower has said that winning the £2.5 million countryside estate means he can finally realize his dream of getting a dog.

Grant, who worked in a Glasgow charity helping people with disabilities for 27 years, was diagnosed with chronic arthritis at just 7 years old.

The diagnosis meant that long walks were out of the question.

But now, with his new house in the 'idyllic countryside' and his cash boost, Grant says he can 'definitely afford a dog walker' now.

Grant lost his wife and childhood sweetheart, Ruth, in 2011 after over 25 years together and he still lives in their three-bedroom home in Glasgow.

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His new house is a finished five-bedroom 18th-century farmhouse set in over eight acres of land.

A 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."

Grant recently changed his job to become a freelance consultant and claims the win means he can help even more people with disabilities.

He said: “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."

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Grant is free to live in the house, rent it out, or sell it.

He said: "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.”

The Omaze prize draw raised £850 000 for Dogs Trust and the money will go towards helping dogs in need.

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.”