Retirees, Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Hewlett and her husband Martyn, won the huge sum of money after entering a nationwide competition run by RoyaleLife, a leading bungalow provider for the over 45s.

The competition was open to all of their new customers who bought a home between 1 March 2021 and 30 November 2021.

The Hewletts were already in the process of purchasing a 2-bedroom bungalow at the Silver Mists development in St Leonards, meaning they were eligible to join the draw for the tax-free lump sum.

After being drawn as winners on 10 December, the pair were informed by RoyaleLife ambassador Jane McDonald, who had recorded a personal video message to the couple.

It was shown to Libby and Martyn by marketing director, Ben Smith who, along with delighted members of the Silver Mists’ sales team, presented the couple with a giant cheque, champagne and flowers.

Ben said: “With such a high-demand for single storey homes – and retirees facing a huge financial burden thanks to the pandemic – we thought our exciting prize draw will not only highlight our response to this national issue but change the life of somebody in the process.

“In fact, the odds were so good that the chances of winning trumped popular large-scale events such as the National Lottery.”

He added: “We had a fantastic response to the campaign, and we are over the moon that the Hewletts have won this incredible prize – they really are a lovely, deserving couple. We hope that the money will bring them a huge amount of comfort and joy.”