Fundraising
Omaze donates an astonishing £4.6 million pounds to BHF through huge House Prize Draw
Our third partnership with Omaze has resulted in a multi-million-pound donation for us, whilst also giving a bar manager from Reading a life changing prize of a spectacular country manor near Bath.
The money raised through this partnership will go towards funding lifesaving defibrillators in local communities and help us continue to power The Circuit, the national defibrillator network developed by the BHF.
What the donation means for us
There are 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year. Sadly, fewer than one in ten survive. Someone’s chances of survival double with timely CPR and defibrillation which is why availability of defibrillators and being able to locate them is so vital.
Funding the placing of more defibs in communities means they are there for the ultimate medical emergency. Meanwhile the Circuit plays a vital role in ensuring emergency services can direct bystanders to the nearest defib in the the event of a cardiac arrest.
The lucky winner
Paul Knight from Reading won the majestic property from Omaze, boasting 6-bedrooms, beautiful views and £4 million price tag. He also won £250,000 in cash to help he and his partner Justin, settle into their new home. The big win means the couple can finally start a family and adopt.
Paul, 47, manages a bar in Reading and was at work when he found out he had become a multi-millionaire. Straight after the incredible news, he went straight back to clearing tables.
On what his big win means, he said: “We’ve been thinking about adoption for a few years now, it hasn't been possible before due to our work commitments and needing to meet certain financial criteria, but this win means we can finally look into starting a family and adopting a child, it's all very exciting!
“I’ve been working in bars all my life, which is hard graft, so I’m looking forward to easing off a bit and not working so many weekends anymore.”
Our appreciation
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive said: “We're thrilled that Omaze has raised an astonishing £4.6 million with its Bath House Draw. This incredible donation will get us closer to saving more lives from cardiac arrest, keeping more families together for longer.
“The money raised by Omaze will help us fund hundreds of local defibrillators and power The Circuit, the national defibrillator network. A huge heartfelt thank you to Omaze and to every single person who entered the draw. The money raised will keep hearts beating in communities across the UK.”
The partnership with Omaze was backed by BHF Ambassadors and pop band S Club, who tragically lost bandmate Paul to an undiagnosed heart condition in 2022.
“What an incredible amount this has raised – we're absolutely delighted that so much money is going to this fantastic charity.
“Losing our much-loved band member Paul to an undiagnosed heart condition last year, brought the importance of BHF’s work sharply into focus for us. We know the money raised by this fantastic Omaze partnership is hugely important to the charity, therefore it’s important to us too.
“We’re proud to honour Paul’s memory by helping others and feel fortunate we can do this through amazing partnerships like this.”