'I had just £4.73 in my bank': Leeds dad's shock after winning £1m dream home
The father-of-three was down to his last few pounds when he won a luxury £1m home
A security worker from Leeds, who recently won a £1 million luxury home in an online lottery, has revealed he had just £4.73 in his bank account at the time of his win.
Despite scooping the top prize, Mohamed Madhi is now considering taking a £700,000 cash alternative to support his family.
Mr Madhi, a father-of-three, has been working additional shifts in Leeds to provide for his mother, who is currently battling cancer in Africa, while also caring for his school-aged children.
He was surprised at his home by BOTB presenters Christian Williams and Nicole Jeffery, who delivered the news of his win – a £1 million property in Norfolk, secured through his prize draw subscription.
His immediate focus remains on his family's well-being. “Priority number one is my mum and kids and that they live in happy environments,” Mr Madhi stated. “I'm the only one in the family, so I have to take good care of my mother.” He added, “I've just been trying to help my mum. I've also got kids who are in school and have just been trying my best.”
The financial strain of supporting his mother's medical expenses in Africa, alongside raising his children, is leading him to seriously consider foregoing the house. “I have to do something for the family. I will send my kids to a better school and take good care of my mum,” he explained. “I need the cash, but next time I get an opportunity like this, I'll take the house.”
Shortly after being informed of his win, Mr Madhi showed the presenters his banking app, which displayed a balance of just £4.73. This personal circumstance is influencing his decision regarding the exclusive home in Saham Toney, Norfolk, which boasts an award-winning architectural design and numerous luxury features.
Christian Williams commented on the emotional impact of the win, particularly given Mr Madhi's situation. “This was an incredibly special surprise reveal,” he said. “You could immediately see how much this win meant to Mohamed, particularly when he told us about the challenges he's been facing and how hard he's been working to support his mum and his children.”
Mr Williams continued, “To go from having just £4.73 in his bank account to suddenly discovering that he's won a £1 million dream home is almost impossible to comprehend. We couldn't be happier for him, and we hope this gives him the opportunity to do everything he wants to do for his family.”
Nicole Jeffery echoed these sentiments, adding, “Mohamed is such a deserving winner and this is exactly why these surprise reveals are so special. We are absolutely delighted for him and can't wait to see what the future holds.”