When James Moughton, a resident of Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire learned he’d snagged a £4 million beachfront house in West Sussex, the UK’s charitable‑gaming platform Omaze UK marked another life‑changing moment. The win, announced shortly after the draw closed on 1 July 2025, also handed him £250,000 in cash and £160,000 worth of furnishings, turning a one‑bedroom council flat into a coastal mansion overnight.
Background: Omaze’s Charitable Model
Founded in the United Kingdom in 2020, Omaze UK runs a series of “Million‑Pound House” draws, where participants donate to enter and the proceeds go to earmarked charities. To date the company has raised close to £90 million for a slate of British causes, from medical research to youth sports.
The latest campaign targeted the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). The charity, headquartered in London, funds research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and provides support services for families affected by the disease. By coupling a dreaming‑big prize with a concrete fundraising goal, Omaze taps into the public’s desire to win while doing good.
The Sussex House Prize – What’s Inside?
The prize property, located between the villages of East Preston and Rustington in the Arun District of West Sussex, is a modern four‑bedroom home valued at exactly £4 000 000. Its most eye‑catching feature? Direct, gated access onto the English Channel – you can step out of the garden and feel the sand beneath your feet in seconds.
- Three reception rooms plus a first‑floor lounge with an integrated bar.
- Triple‑aspect kitchen, utility area, and a dedicated yoga studio.
- Detached guest studio with ensuite, boathouse, outdoor shower, and a hot tub.
- Interior palette of whites and rustic woods, designed to keep the space airy.
Beyond the house itself, the prize package covered mortgage‑free ownership, stamp duty, legal fees, £250 000 in cash, and £160 000 worth of furniture. Local agents peg its long‑term rental value at roughly £6 000 per month – a tidy passive‑income stream if the winner ever decides to rent it out.
James Moughton’s Life‑Changing Win
James entered the draw online on 29 June 2025, just before the portal shut. Postal entries were accepted until the following Tuesday, a deadline he met by mailing his form from his council flat. When the results page lit up, his name was the sole grand‑prize winner.
“I’m from a council estate, but now I own a coastal paradise. I can’t believe I’m going from a one‑bedroom flat to a £4 million mansion! Things like this just don’t happen to people where I come from. The last thing I won was a soft toy at the Hull Fair!” he said in the announcement video posted by Omaze UK. The raw emotion in his voice – half disbelief, half joy – resonated with viewers across the country.
Beyond the financial windfall, the win offers a symbolic shift: a move from a post‑industrial northern city to a prime South‑Coast location that historically has been out of reach for many. Housing analysts note that a property of this caliber in West Sussex typically costs more than the average UK household’s net worth.
Reactions from the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Charity Experts
“Every pound raised through Oma Omaze goes straight into our research pipeline,” said Dr. Sarah Whitaker, chief scientific officer at the Motor Neurone Disease Association. “A win like this not only brings in funds but also raises public awareness about MND – a disease that still carries a stigma of inevitability.”
Industry observers see the model as a win‑win. Mark Hargreaves, senior fellow at the Charity Finance Institute, noted, “Traditional fundraising often hits donor fatigue. With a high‑profile prize, you inject excitement, and the charitable payout happens without a single donor feeling like they ‘gave’ something.”
What This Means for Future Fundraisers
The Sussex draw sits alongside three other 2025 campaigns: the Yorkshire House Draw (worth over £4.5 million plus £500 000 cash), the New Forest House Draw (a £3 million home with £500 000 cash), and the Cornwall House Draw (£3 million property plus £250 000 cash). All operate under the same entry‑for‑donation premise, funneling proceeds to causes ranging from mental health to environmental conservation.
Analysts predict the model will keep scaling. Real‑estate valuations in coastal England have risen 12 % year‑on‑year, meaning future prize houses could be even more eye‑catching. Meanwhile, charities are beginning to tailor campaigns to match donor demographics – younger participants are drawn to the gamified aspect, while older donors appreciate the clear charitable impact.
For James, the next steps are practical: moving from Hull to the Sussex coast, hiring a property manager, and perhaps using the rental income to fund future charitable giving. For the MNDA, the draw’s success translates into an extra £2.5 million earmarked for a new gene‑therapy trial slated to start in early 2026.
Key Facts
- Winner: James Moughton (Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire)
- Prize: £4 000 000 beachfront house in West Sussex, £250 000 cash, £160 000 furnishings
- Charity beneficiary: Motor Neurone Disease Association
- Draw closure: Online entries – 29 June 2025; Postal entries – 1 July 2025
- Omaze UK total charitable fundraising since 2020: ~£90 million
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect people living on council estates?
It showcases that extraordinary opportunities can arise from ordinary circumstances, inspiring hope. While a single prize won’t solve systemic housing issues, the publicity can pressure policymakers to address inequality in property markets.
What will the Motor Neurone Disease Association do with the funds?
The MNDA plans to allocate the bulk of the draw proceeds to its new gene‑therapy initiative, slated to begin clinical trials in early 2026, and to expand patient‑support services across the UK.
Are Omaze draws regulated?
Yes. Each draw follows independent verification processes overseen by a third‑party auditor, and the terms are governed by the UK Gambling Commission’s regulations on prize competitions.
What other prizes were offered in the Sussex draw?
Early‑bird entrants (by 15 June 2025) could also win a Land Rover Defender and an Airstream travel trailer, adding a motor‑touring element to the seaside lifestyle.
How can people enter future Omaze draws?
Entries are made by donating the suggested amount on Omaze’s website; participants must be 18 years or older and a UK resident. Postal entries are still accepted for most campaigns, subject to the deadline listed on each draw’s page.