A Yorkshire couple's ordinary meal at McDonald's turned into an extraordinary, life-changing moment when they discovered they had become millionaires.
A Suspicious Call Leads to a Life-Changing Moment
Rob and Lisa Nicholson, from West Yorkshire, were enjoying a McFlurry at a McDonald's in York when a phone call they almost ignored changed everything. The couple, who were visiting their youngest son at university, initially thought the call was a spam attempt. After letting it ring a few times, Rob, 69, decided to answer.
"We thought it was probably a spam caller trying to flog us something," Rob recalled. "When I finally picked up and realised it was Omaze, I looked at my wife and said 'I think we need to ditch the McFlurrys and get home now.'" The pair abandoned their desserts and rushed back to their house to meet the Omaze team and confirm their win in the Omaze Monthly Millionaire Draw.
Transforming a Family's Future
The tax-free £1 million prize comes at a pivotal time for the Nicholsons, who have been married for 23 years. Rob, a design engineer with 40 years in the industry, had been working to pay for their son's university fees. "Thanks to the win we can now pay them all off in one go," he said. His boss's immediate reaction was to ask why he was still at work, assuming he would retire instantly.
While Rob plans to reduce his hours before retiring fully, the financial security is profound for the whole family. The couple have three children: Charlotte, 31, Lewis, 30, and their youngest, Max. Both of their sons are autistic, and Rob emphasised that the extra money will "make a big difference" in supporting them.
The win also lifts immense pressure after a difficult few years, which saw Lisa lose her mother to leukaemia and her father move in with them. Their daughter Charlotte had also returned home while working exhausting hours to save for a house deposit.
Celebrations and Sensible Plans
The initial celebration was a quiet one. Rob suggested a nice cup of tea, but Lisa insisted on opening a bottle of wine. The couple, who bought their winning entry for just £15, are determined to be prudent. "We won't waste it all," Rob noted, pointing out that his wife still bought a second-class stamp the day after their win.
However, they do plan to treat themselves and their family. Lisa has her eye on a special bag, and helping Charlotte get her first home is a priority. "It means the world to us that we'll be able to give our children such a fantastic head start in life," Rob said.
James Oakes, President of Omaze, congratulated the couple: "We're all delighted that Rob and Lisa have become our latest Monthly Millionaire winners. It's wonderful to see such a hard-working couple enjoying this life-changing moment."
The Omaze draws not only create winners but also raise funds for charities across the UK, with over £100 million generated for good causes since 2020. Single entries for the Omaze Monthly Millionaire Draw start from £10, while the separate Million Pound House Draw in the Lake District is also currently open for entries.
