A key worker has won a luxurious six-bedroom farmhouse worth £650,000 – after purchasing a £2 raffle ticket.
Lucky Alison Bellamy, 49, scooped a stunning new dream home after her ticket was pulled out of a hat.
She also bags all the furnishings at the Grade-II listed mansion, which is set in three acres of land and includes an outdoor hot tub, gym equipment and a sit-on lawnmower.
The West Mercia Police worker said she was “speechless” after being named the new owner of Grafton Farm in Loppington, Shrops.
After being told over the telephone of her win, Alison, of Telford, Shrops., said: “You’re kidding.
“I can’t speak, oh my god. I am speechless. Who knows if I will move in at the moment. I forgot I even entered.
“I am working today. I am sat at my desk currently. You may hear a few cheers and claps in the background.”
Previous owners Nigel and Jane Chaloner wanted to put their idyllic home up for raffle instead of selling it after deciding to downsize with retirement beckoning.
The couple, who have raised their family and fostered 22 children at their sprawling home over the last 18 years, charged only £2 a ticket to enter the draw.
Together with their two children, Jodie and Sam, the family has raised over £120,000 for the Severn Hospice in the process through 10 per cent of the ticket sales.
At the draw, which took place in the gardens of the lavish home, Jane said: “This will mean the world to a lot of people and the hospice.
“Everyone has been so gracious and supported each other. This is all about you and everyone that has made this happen.
“So many have experienced loss and difficulties. There have been a lot of people that have deserved this.
“This is a life-changing experience for Alison Bellamy and it will make a difference to so many people. This will mean so much to Severn Hospice.
“They support thousands of people and they have such a legacy. The difference they make is vast.
“We want to volunteer abroad but we obviously can’t at the moment. If you will have us at the hospice that will be great.
“In recent years Severn Hospice has been there for our friends and family at the worst moments in their lives.
“We know how much Severn Hospice takes the pressure off the NHS.
“In this dire time, we felt we all need some hope and being able to make a difference on this scale makes all the sense in the world.”
Elodie Home, fundraising events manager at Severn Hospice, said: “We are enormously grateful to you and your family.
“Particularly in these difficult times which we are currently in. The donation you have given is vital.”
