First-time Homeowner Raffles His House for £1 to Help Sick Kids

FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNER RAFFLES HIS HOUSE FOR £1 TO HELP SICK KIDS
WITH PIX AND VID
By Shuk Yee Tsang
A kind-hearted 29-year-old first-time homeowner from Scotland is giving away his own home in a £1 raffle, in a bold bid to help someone onto the property ladder while raising money for seriously ill children.
Darren Dowling, a content creator known online as Dazza, has launched the raffle for his three-bedroom house in Glasgow, saying he wanted to do something “genuinely different” at a time when many people feel priced out of home ownership.
Alongside offering one person the chance to own the property mortgage-free, or take a £100,000 cash alternative.
Darren is also donating 10% of proceeds to “When You Wish Upon A Star”, a cause close to his heart after witnessing its work firsthand.
The charity supports families with children living with life-threatening illnesses.
Darren previously joined one of their Lapland trips, where a plane full of children were flown to meet Santa and spend precious time together without medical worries.
The raffle raised £10,000 in its first 24 hours. It will run until 27 February 2027.
Darren and his wife Emma have lived in the home for five years.
He hopes it becomes someone else’s first chapter, just as it was theirs.
Darren said: “I know it sounds mad, but I wanted to do something genuinely different.
“People are struggling to get on the property ladder, and this gives someone a real shot, while also raising money for a charity that means a lot to me.
“I went along with When You Wish Upon A Star on one of their Lapland trips.
“On these trips, they take a plane full of sick kids and give them a day in Santa's village and time to spend with their families without any worries.
“It's incredible to see the work they do firsthand and I'm so happy that I'll be able to help fund even more wishes.
“Me and my wife, Emma have stayed in our home for five years. When we moved in, we were just boyfriend and girlfriend. When we leave, we'll be leaving as husband and wife.
“ it's mad! We've loved staying here and will be sad to move. But the winner will get this lovely house mortgage-free and charity is gonna get an amazing pay day!
“One of my favourite memories has to be when I had Still Game stars Mark Cox and Jane McCarry in my kitchen deep frying chocolate bars.
“ The winner of the house will be able to say they had Tam and Isa in their kitchen!
“But honestly, my favourite memories will just be chilling with Emma. Us sitting watching stupid YouTube videos whilst we eat our dinner is always sheer bliss.”
END