Hannah Symes, 31, had never heard of Omaze until Jo Booth, a £2.5 million house winner, checked into the hotel where she worked. After hearing Jo’s story, Hannah entered the competition that same day—two months later, she won £500,000.

The life-changing win came just before her birthday. She used the money to clear debts and is now buying a home for her family. Hannah, who shares five children with her partner Rob, called it “the best tip I’ve ever had.”