Win a beach bungalow and raise money for two charities

• Whoa! Let me just check that I heard you correctly: you’re raffling a property in West Wittering for charity?

Yes! Actually, when we hit our fundraising target there will be three prizes to choose between: a three-bedroom beach bungalow in West Wittering, which is walking distance to the beach and has a log cabin in the garden; a holiday condo on the Algarve in Portugal plus £150k cash prize, a car worth £45k and a trip worth up to £10k; and a cash prize. If we don’t hit our target then there is a guaranteed alternative cash prize, currently £70,000, [the value increases with ticket sales]. We decided to give the winner a choice to make it more exciting and to enable us to hit our ticket and fundraising targets.

• How did the idea of the raffle come about?

We participated in a house raffle ourselves during the first lockdown and found it really exciting. We thought that if we sold our house this way then we could create the same opportunity for someone else and, in the process, raise money for charity. With Covid-19 taking its toll on people’s mental health and wellbeing we thought this would be a win-win for everyone, especially as fundraising has been so difficult for charities during the pandemic.

• How long have you lived in West Wittering?

My wife Alina and I decided to move to West Sussex eight years ago. We have modernised and extended the bungalow and we have loved the lifestyle in West Wittering. We feel really lucky to have been able to go surfing, windsurfing, running and walking in such a beautiful area. But, like so many people, we’ve not been able to see our families abroad lately and we’ve decided to move to somewhere big enough to be able to get together with our families in the future.

• The charities you are fundraising for are Surfers Against Sewage and Brain Tumour Research UK. Why are these charities close to our hearts?

We are enthusiastic surfers and we are passionate about marine conservation. We would like for people to be able to enjoy our beautiful beaches for generations to come. We have friends who have been directly affected by brain tumours. Many kids and young people are also affected, yet research is greatly underfunded.

• Will you tell me a bit about yourself?

I am a former professional snowboarder. I took part in the Salt Lake City and Turin Olympic Games in snowboard halfpipe and won the Overall Halfpipe World Cup twice; in 2002 and 2006. I am currently working in a marketing role within the surf industry. I’m responsible for organising events and competitions and felt that the raffle would be an amazing opportunity to make use of my knowledge for a good cause.

• How can people purchase tickets, and when is the big draw?

Tickets can be purchased at www.winmybeachhome.co.uk and the competition closes on February 6, with the draw taking place on February 16.

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