Crawley film fanatic, 30, wins £10,000 while self isolating

Matt Donnelly, 30, from Crawley, was self-isolating at home when online competitions company BOTB’s Christian Williams video-called him to tell him he was this week’s lifestyle competition winner and now £10,000 richer!

“I knew exactly who Christian was when I saw his face pop up on my phone,” Matt said. “I’ve been playing BOTB for years.”

Matt, who works as a broadband engineer, said he was ‘extremely bored’ self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for the Coronavirus.

But the film fanatic, who paid just 50p to enter the competition, was soon shaking with excitement when Christian revealed the cheque for £10,000.

“Thank you so much BOTB,” he said. “This has completely made my day!”

He said he is saving up to buy a house so said the cash will go towards that.

“I’ve been saving for a house for the past year, working flat out at work and doing all the overtime I can get,” he added. “This will make such a difference to my deposit.”

Matt is also a huge film fan and before the coronavirus hit he was in the cinema every weekend watching the latest films.

He added: “If there’s any money left over I’ll be saving it for when the cinemas open again!”

Christian, who surprises BOTB winners, said: “What a way to start the year for Matt! £10,000 is a massive amount of money and it couldn’t have gone to a nicer guy.

“I’m super happy for him and can’t wait for him to start his new home adventure! Congratulations again Matt.”

BOTB hands over the keys to two stunning cars each week as well as a lifestyle prize. Other recent winners have bagged a quad bike, a holiday to Las Vegas and a gaming tech bundle.

The company, listed on the stock market, was founded by William Hindmarch in 1999 and has given away more than £37m-worth of cars so far.