Running for others' lives in Holywood
Led by Reset Run Club's Lauren Clarke, participants followed a bespoke route in support of the local cancer charity, raising £225. Lauren, a well-known Northern Ireland fitness influencer, said it was 'fantastic' to see such a strong turnout at 10am on a Sunday in May.
Consello senior consultant Anna Haslett, who organised the event as part of the company's fundraising efforts for Cancer Focus NI, said: 'I'm delighted with the support and proud to be part of such a fun event for a very meaningful cause.'
Earlier this month, another senior consultant, Nicola Wylie from Consello's Belfast team, organised a pub quiz at the Comber Rec Football Club raising £1,100 for the same charity.
Both events form part of a wider fundraiser that culminates this Friday with the Big Shops' Challenge.
This unique initiative, organised by Business in the Community (BITC), invites Northern Ireland businesses to run a Cancer Focus shop for the day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Youngest lottery winner sells her glam £3m mansion at massively reduced price
Lauren Keene, 24, won a £3million property in an Omaze prize draw last December, but after just six months, she has decided to sell the luxury home for £500,000 less than its value Lauren Keene made headlines last December when she became the youngest ever winner of a multi-million-pound Omaze prize draw, landing a breathtaking £3million mansion on the Wirral Peninsula, along with a £250,000 cash bonus. But just six months later, the full-time nanny from Gloucester has decided to part ways with the luxury home, putting it on the market for £2.5million - half a million pounds below its estimated value. The modern, six-bedroom property sits in a stunning elevated location on the edge of the rocky sandstone outcrop overlooking the Irish Sea, with panoramic views, a wraparound terrace, and an outdoor heated pool. Described in its Rightmove listing as 'striking' and 'something truly special', the house blends contemporary architecture with natural beauty and is just a short stroll from Caldy Beach. However, the dream home has proved impractical. Lauren, 24, who bought the winning ticket for just £20, initially said she and her partner, software engineer Ryan Mitchell, were considering moving into the mansion. At the time, she was living with her father, Daniel Keene, in a modest two-bedroom flat near Gloucester. The Omaze win, which she celebrated with a McDonald's meal, seemed to be a complete life transformation. 'Only last week we were looking at houses we thought we could never afford,' she said after the win. 'Now our first property is a £3million mansion. It's crazy to think we'll never have a mortgage. It's life-changing.' However, the couple quickly realised that the distance - nearly 200 miles from Gloucester - and the cost of maintaining such a large property made living there unrealistic. They only spent a few nights in the home before deciding to sell. Lauren's dad, Daniel, 46, who works as a kitchen and bathroom fitter, explained the reasoning behind her decision. 'It is a lovely house, but the associated costs are significant,' he told the Mail Online. 'For example, although the pool is heated, it's outdoors and not thermally protected, so the heat escapes very quickly. Keeping it warm in the winter would cost a fortune. They've turned it off for now, but we braved it during our visit—and I can tell you that water is very cold.' Daniel added that Lauren and Ryan are now buying a more modest, semi-detached property in their hometown of Gloucester, using their savings and some of the Omaze cash prize to put down roots closer to family and work. He hinted that the move is imminent, though Lauren is still living at home for now. 'Every week she tells me she's moving out, and every week she's still here,' he laughed. 'But what's important is that she's happy and doing what's right for her. And in both cases, she is.' He added: 'I'm sure when they do move in, I'll be asked to fit the new bathroom and kitchen. And it'll be a pleasure.' Though Lauren is selling the house, the £250,000 cash prize and the proceeds from the eventual sale will ensure financial security and a strong start to homeownership for the young couple. Reflecting on her win at the time, Lauren said: 'Winning this house has transformed our lives forever. Whatever we decide to do long-term, we're made for life now.' Under Omaze rules, winners are not required to keep the properties for any set period and are free to rent them out, sell them, or move in. Many winners opt to cash in rather than maintain the often palatial homes. Lauren's decision to sell isn't unusual. Of the 14 previous Omaze UK house draw winners, only three have decided to stay in their prize properties long-term. Several others have cited similar challenges, including costly maintenance and distance from loved ones. In 2023, June Smith, a widow who won a £4.5million Cornish mansion, put the home up for sale so she could help her children and grandchildren financially. Others, like Lauren, have chosen to use their winnings to build a more sustainable life closer to home. One of the few winners who did keep their Omaze home is finance analyst Becca Pott, 32, who was living in a small flat in east London when she won a £3.5 million, five-bedroom house near Ascot in February 2022. After initially planning to stay for just the summer, she and her husband Ben decided to make it their permanent home, raising their daughter Ava in the luxury build. She told The Sunday Times: "We always knew we were going to move in and enjoy it for at least that first summer, just to experience living in a place like this as a family, but after a few weeks we realised we didn't want to leave so decided we should keep it."
Metro
4 days ago
- Metro
Youngest Omaze winner puts her £3,000,000 house up for sale — for £2,500,000
For the price of just a £10 raffle ticket, winners of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw walk away with a dream home, complete with bougie interiors, and absolutely no mortgage stress attached. Each new owner has the choice to move in, rent, or sell up, with the majoritychoosing to put their house on the market, and become an instant cash millionaire. Lauren Keene, the youngest winner at just 24, is no different. Back in December, she won a Wirral property, valued at more than £3,000,000. Now, less than six months later, she's selling up her six-bed James-Bond style mansion — but for just £2,500,000, half a million less than it's previous valuation. When Lauren, a nanny, found out about her win, she was on her way to grab a trusty McDonald's drive-through meal. As she was pondering her options, her phone rang – Omaze was on the other end of the line to tell her that she'd won. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. 'I was sceptical — and hungry — but went straight home to see what I'd won,' Lauren, who is from Gloucester, said at the time. Afterwards, she joked that she wasn't fussed about missing her regular post-work snack as 'missing that Maccies' made her a 'multi-millionaire.' Although she did later pick up a 'very, very happy meal'. A few days after finding out about the life-changing win, Lauren and her partner Ryan Mitchell, 25, a software engineer, celebrated his birthday in style. She joked that the house was his 'birthday and Christmas present combined.' The couple – who have been together since they were 18 – had been saving relentlessly to buy a place of their own, with Lauren still living in a two-bedroom flat with her dad. Lauren's home (called Rock Mount) spans 4,750 square feet and was even nominated for the RIBA Mansell House of the Year. It draws on inspiration from the American West Coast and mid-century modern styles – and certainly wouldn't look out of place in LA, either. The interiors certainly don't skip on the details, complete with a state-of-the-art cinema room, double garage, and even a sunken sofa. Outside, there's a heated swimming pool, paired with a huge terrace and multiple full-width balconies overlooking the space. Perfect for hot girl summer, right? CEO of Yopa Estate Agents, Verona Frankish, tells Metro that the postcode where the Omaze home is located, CH48, has actually seen a 10% increase in property prices since December 2024. In her view, the reduced value 'hasn't been driven by a decline in local property values' — but it's important to consider that housing stock in the area is 'rather slim.' 'Homes priced at £1,000,000 or more account for just 16% of the total homes for sale, while homes valued at £2,500,000 or more account for just 4%,' Verona explains. 'So the likelihood is that the pool of potential buyers will be limited, and when you also consider that the design of this particular property is a little more contemporary than the more traditional aesthetic of other prime properties in the area, it might not hold the same degree of appeal.' However, she adds that winning a £3,000,000 property for a 'few pounds' means that a reduction is, of course, 'easier to stomach. You're essentially 'making £2,500,000, rather than losing £500,000.' Naturally, homes of this value aren't for the average prospective homeowner, as it massively exceeds the typical rate across the UK, which data from Zoopla places at £268,250. In terms of the types of buyers the home might attract, Verona reckons it'll catch the eye of people with 'deep enough pockets' – but believes it's 'probably more suited to a younger buyer due to its style.' She sees it as a 'beautifully unique property with a wealth of attractive features,' and notes that it's a 'relative steal, providing very good value for money to whoever does take it on.' Of the 37 winners, many chose to sell their properties. The Dorset home – which was won by 60-year-old father-of-three Chris Milnes – is currently on the market for £2,100,000. In June 2024, when he won the property, it was valued at £2,500,000. When he first found out, he hadn't even told his family that he'd entered the draw – so naturally, they were 'speechless.' Having spent most of his childhood in a council flat in Leeds, Chris always intended to sell up and cash in to unlock a new life as a multi-millionaire. He said he wanted to give his 'children the start in life I never had.' Meanwhile, the Surrey home – originally valued at £3,000,000 and won by 54-year-old Rachael Reid from Inverness in July 2024 – is currently on the market for £2,750,000. More Trending When Rachael first received the call, she thought a family member was playing a joke on her. She never expected her life to change forever. But for now, Rachael loves where she lives – which is why the family have decided to cash in and pocket the money so that they can buy an 'amazing home' closer to their family and friends in Scotland. 'The money from the sale will change everything for the entire family – it's just incredible – we're all so excited for the future – we might even build our very own Omazing house!' Rachael said at the time. 'Entering Omaze was the best decision I ever made – I wish anyone who enters the best of luck, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ View More » MORE: Nearly half of landlords plan to raise rents by £888 this year MORE: The 5 hidden legal red flags that could derail your property purchase MORE: I'm on benefits – landlords refuse to rent to me
Edinburgh Reporter
25-05-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
New sales team appointed for Caskieberran development
Allanwater Homes has teamed up with a local estate agency, First for Homes Allan England team, which will handle enquiries and viewings for its starter home development at Caskieberran in Glenrothes. With prices from £184,995, which is below the average property price in the town – currently £194,691, Allanwater Caskieberran is a highly affordable, well located development offering 19 energy efficient properties. Built with modern living in mind, some of the apartments at Allanwater Caskieberran will have balconies making the most of the views. With a B rating for energy, both the Manor, a two bedroom luxury apartment, and the Lowther, a three bedroom villa which is available in both a terraced and semi-detached format, will provide the occupants with a high-level of energy efficient living, with the subsequent lower energy bills this can bring. Currently under construction, the first of the new homes are expected to be ready to move into by July 2025. Commenting on the relationship, which will see First for Homes Allan England team promote Allanwater Caskieberran in its office window display, alongside handling all initial sales and information enquiries directly, Allanwater Homes Financial Director, Jim Baxter, said: 'We are confident this local partnership with First for Homes will really help to drive interest in Allanwater Caskieberran, and maintain momentum throughout the sales process.' 'They'll act as the first point of contact to those who enquire, ensuring timely responses and consistent messaging,' he said. First for Homes Allan England team will then follow up all sales leads for the development, to assess interest, and guide buyers through the initial stages of the process. Viewings will also be looked after by the First for Homes team, providing buyers with a sense of the homes' layout, size, and available finish options. Once a buyer is ready to move forward, Allanwater Sales Manager, Lauren McNair, will take over, handling everything from reservation, through to exchange and completion, ensuring a smooth and consistent customer journey. 'Given the value for money prices, the convenient location of the development, and the specification of the properties, which include open plan lounge/dining rooms, luxury kitchens with integrated appliances, plenty of storage space, and ensuites to the principal bedroom, we expect there to be a consistent flow of sales enquiries at Allanwater Caskieberran,' said Lauren. 'Having a Glenrothes High Street window display will increase visibility locally, additionally attracting walk-in interest from people passing by,' finished Lauren. Commenting from First for Homes Allan England Team, Director/Office Owner, Allan England, said: 'The entire team is thrilled to be working alongside Allanwater Homes on the launch of their brand-new development at Caskieberran, Glenrothes. This exciting collaboration brings fresh opportunities for homebuyers in the area, combining Allanwater Homes trusted craftsmanship with our commitment to providing exceptional service and support to buyers throughout the buying journey.' With summer beckoning, Glenrothes offers many outdoor opportunities to couples, young professionals and young families, including Riverside Park and Balbirnie Park, along with sports venues and golf courses. The backdrop of the Lomond Hills provides opportunities to hill walk, and explore the wider environment. A Fife town with good connectivity, Glenrothes provides easy access to Scotland's central belt motorway network, with nearby train stations in Kirkcaldy, and Glenrothes with Thornton. Buyers at Allanwater Caskieberran will be given a full two years of aftercare, plus a ten-year Premier warranty, with the first two years covered by Allanwater Homes. To find out more, or place a reservation, please contact First for Homes Allan England team in Glenrothes on 01592 752944. Like this: Like Related
