Platform has raised over £100m for good causes

A US charity fundraising platform championed by Hollywood is launching its first UK campaign — offering the chance to win a £1m house to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Omaze, a for-profit business taking 20% of all the money donated, has raised over £100m to support the work of more than 350 charities around the world.

It’s done this by putting together often eye-popping experiences that people donating money can win, including a walk-on role in Star Wars and having Pope Francis hand over the keys to a brand-new Lamborghini.

Other charity winners have played mini golf with Bono, lunched with George and Amal Clooney at their Lake Como home, watched the Game of Thrones series finale with Emilia Clarke, enjoyed a Valentine’s date with Idris Elba and driven a tank with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Now the LA-based company is giving away a £1m “dream home” with a hot tub and all costs covered for the first year, as part of an appeal to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. People can enter via post or online — starting from £10.

Kate Collins, chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, said that the money being raised was more crucial than ever in the time of coronavirus because their services are now under severe strain.

“Our team of specialist staff are doing all they can to help young people with cancer in incredibly difficult circumstances. At the same time, some of our nurses have been drafted in to help the NHS cope with the increasing pressures being applied by the coronavirus outbreak.”

She added: “Our income this year could drop by as much as 50%, so we urgently need to raise another £5m to maintain our frontline services. That’s why we have started a crucial fundraising appeal so we can respond to this situation and rapidly adapt the way we offer support.”