A Merseyside man who 'lost everything' after taking the difficult decision to liquidate his business earlier this year has scooped £250,000 in prize money.
Bernard entered an Omaze draw by buying a £10 raffle ticket, with 80% of the net proceeds from the draw going to The Dog's Trust. The overall winner could become the new owner of a luxury Lake District house, with other prizes on offer.
Bernard was announced as the draw's 'early bird winner', securing £250,000.
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Speaking on the Omaze YouTube channel, Bernard said: "We're dog lovers, so we support the charity anyway. We have entered Omaze draws before. I always thought - like everyone I suppose is it legit?"
He added that the money has "changed everything" after a tough 12 months.
Bernard said: "I was in business for 50 years. In May, we hit a problem and I had to liquidate.
"When Covid hit we had to lock down and we never opened up again. We fought through it and carried on but eventually there was too much pressure and it couldn't cope anymore. I lost everything."
The £250,000 was deposited in Bernard's bank account on Christmas Day. He called the cash injection "a godsend."
Bernard added: "It's changed everything. It's saved Christmas. I've got my retirement back."
People were quick to congratulate Bernard on his win. On Facebook, Lynne Marie said: "Absolutely fantastic there are always signs of light in dark times. So happy for them."
Trish Johnson added: "So pleased this early bird prize was won by someone who's worked hard and unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances have struggled."
Tina Walsh said she was "so glad" the cash was won "by someone who really needs it".
The grand prize of the Omaze Lake District House Draw is a £2.5m luxury mansion near Lake Windermere and Ambleside . Raffle tickets were up for grabs for just £10.
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