Doncaster dad wins £86k car and cash prize bundle while in A&E
A father-of-two had his day turned around in dramatic fashion after receiving the news he’d won a life-changing prize while sitting in A&E with ear problems.
Ioan Mareniuc, 35, a motorway excavator from Doncaster, was in hospital when he received a surprise video call revealing he had won a brand-new Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge Ultimate worth £84,000, along with a £2,000 cash prize.
The incredible bundle came courtesy of online competition firm BOTB after Ioan entered its weekly Lifestyle Competition.
“I don’t believe you,” Ioan told BOTB presenter Christian Williams, who broke the news.
“It feels great to have won and it has come just at the right time. I feel God has blessed me.”
What began as a frustrating hospital visit quickly turned into an unforgettable moment, as Ioan realised he had landed one of the biggest prizes in the competition.
The Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge Ultimate is a premium plug-in hybrid SUV, combining luxury, practicality and high performance, something Ioan is already familiar with.
He explained that his father-in-law owns the same model. However, he admitted a big decision now lies ahead - taking the car or the cash alternative.
“We need a new car, but we are planning on taking the cash as that’s more of a priority for us as a family right now,” he said. “We would use it to pay off some debts.”
Ioan added that his family were overjoyed by the news.
“My wife was very happy and screamed when she realised what we had won,” he added.
Christian said: “This was definitely one of the more unusual reveals we’ve done, catching Ioan while he was in A&E wasn’t something he or we were expecting. You could see the disbelief straight away.
“This is one of the biggest prizes we offer in the Lifestyle Competition, and the Volvo XC90 is an incredible car. It’s luxurious, practical and seriously impressive on the road.”
BOTB hands over the keys to a dream car each week, while also offering players the option of a cash alternative and a range of lifestyle prizes.
It is also currently offering people the chance to win a luxury four-bedroom home in Devon worth £1.2m in a competition costing just £1.
Founded in 1999, BOTB has given away prizes to over 544,000 people, including £146m-worth of cars so far.
To see Ioan’s reaction alongside a host of other lucky winners, head over to BOTB.com.