Man with £4.73 in his bank account wins £1m home - but he may not take it
A security worker who won a £1m home in an online lottery revealed he had just £4.73 in his bank account when he scooped the prize - but says he is considering not living there at all.
Mohamed Madhi has been working extra shifts at his job in Leeds to support his mother who is battling cancer in Africa, while also looking after his children who are in school.
The father-of-three was visited at his home by BOTB presenters Christian Williams and Nicole Jeffery who revealed he had won the £1m home in Norfolk as part of his subscription to the prize draw.
He said he is trying his hardest to support his three children while also sending money to Africa to pay for medication for his mother - and is seriously considering giving up the house and taking the £700,000 cash prize instead.
He said: “Priority number one is my mum and kids and that they live in happy environments. I'm the only one in the family, so I have to take good care of my mother.
“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.
“I have to do something for the family. I will send my kids to a better school and take good care of my mum.
“I need the cash, but next time I get an opportunity like this, I'll take the house.”
Shortly after being given the news of his big win, Mohamed shows the presenters his balance on his banking app - just £4.73.
His current circumstances means he is considering giving up the exclusive home in the Norfolk village of Saham Toney, which was designed by award-winning architects and is packed with luxury features.
Christian said Mohamed's reaction had been particularly emotional given the circumstances he has been facing.
“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.
“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 added: “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.”