James Manley, 23, was living at home with his parents while working as a software developer apprentice and studying for his degree
A man has seen his life completely transformed after bagging £450,000. It came after he splashed out £30 on raffle tickets whilst at a pub quiz marking the end of his apprenticeship.
James Manley’s legs ‘turned to jelly’ when he discovered he had scooped a dream competition worth nearly half a million quid to purchase his first home. The 23 year old had been grafting as a software developer apprentice for the past five years and was desperate to secure his own place.
James was living at home in Elephant and Castle, London, with his mum and dad, who both struggle with mobility problems, whilst juggling his job and demanding studies, which left him feeling stressed and deflated. On a whim, he chose to take a gamble on a Tramway Path property competition after he read accounts of genuine people securing their own bricks and mortar, reports Bristol Live.
“I was at a pub quiz with my workmates when I got the call to say I had won,” he said. “I had my phone off, so that no one would think we were cheating. At half time, I turned my phone back on and saw a bunch of missed calls, and when it rang again, I finally answered. My legs turned to complete jelly when I heard the news.
“I thought it was a work call at first. When you’re entering these things, you never think you’re actually going to win, you just buy the tickets and get on with life. I was expecting them to say that my payment had failed or that there was an issue with my entry. I definitely didn’t expect to hear the words ‘You’re our lucky winner’.”
This marked the third occasion James had participated in the Tramway Path raffle. Upon receiving the news, James became so emotional that he left the pub immediately and dashed home to share the incredible announcement with his parents – though he subsequently discovered his team had also triumphed in the quiz and secured a £50 bar tab.
James’ parents, Penny, 59, and Derek, 66, initially believed it was a scam. James’ auntie, Maria, aged 68, even advised him to contact the police to report it.
However, after meeting with the brothers who operate the competition – Jason, Will and Daniel Twenefour – the reality began to sink in. Keen to remain local and close to his family, friends and workplace, James chose to accept the £450,000 cash to secure his first-ever home.
He has recently purchased a two-bed flat that sits on the same street as his parents. James said: “Jason, Will and Daniel told me to take my time in finding the right place and gave me great advice about the property world.
“Oddly enough, after going to viewings and seeing what I liked and didn’t like, I landed on a home that is on the same street as my parents’ place. It’s an incredible two-bed ground-floor apartment with a garden. I was starstruck when I won. It’s an amazing feeling.
“Anyone out there thinking about taking a chance should definitely give it a go. It might be you one day when the next competition comes around.”
Tramway Path is currently accepting entries for its upcoming competition – where the victor can select a two-bedroom apartment in Sidcup, South East London, or £400,000 in cash. “It’s genuinely humbling and incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s journey onto the property ladder,” said Daniel Twenefour, Co-founder of Tramway Path.
“We know how tough it can be for first-time buyers, especially young people who are working hard yet finding the housing market increasingly out of reach. Being able to give them a real chance, to open the door to a home of their own, is something we don’t take for granted.”
The competition remains open until November 17, with tickets beginning at £10 for 10 entries.
