This couple turned $10 into an Australian adventure: ‘We have not won anything in the past’
- Replies 5
Embarking on a grand adventure across the vast landscapes of Australia is a dream many hold dear, especially those who have the time to travel.
For Ronan, 70, and Maura, 71, this dream transformed into a reality, all thanks to a $10 act of kindness that turned into a life-changing journey.
The couple, coming from Manly in Sydney, had their lives take an unexpected turn when they decided to support a charity by purchasing a raffle ticket.
Little did they know this small gesture would unlock the doors to their dream trip around Australia.
It all began with a simple email, a 'last chance reminder' to enter the 'Play for Purpose' raffle, supporting the famous not-for-profit National Seniors Australia.
The image of a gleaming Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan, a prize in the raffle, caught Ronan's eye and spurred him to take a chance.
The following day, a phone call arrived, one that Ronan initially dismissed as a follow-up from a caravan and camping show they had attended in Brisbane.
To their astonishment, the call was from Play for Purpose, announcing that they had won not only the campervan but also $100,000 in gold bullion.
‘We only realised the extent of our luck when we saw the van; we have not won anything in the past,’ Ronan said.
The news was so incredible that the couple suspected a hoax until confirmation came that 'R from Manly' was indeed the lucky winner.
'We phoned our children, and the celebrations began,’ he continued.
With their newfound fortune, Ronan and Maura's long-held aspiration to explore Western Australia, which once seemed financially out of reach, was now possible.
‘We still pinch ourselves when we see the van on returning from the shops and think...that it is ours.’ he said.
The couple spent five weeks preparing their new home on wheels, seeking advice and encouragement from friends who had embarked on similar travels.
‘They gave us great advice and encouragement. The plan was to follow the warm weather and do an anti-clockwise trip commencing in August,’ Ronan shared.
‘The “Wiki Camps App” was (also) great for planning, booking and information.’
‘No matter how much we studied Google Maps and looked at brochures about places, they always were better when you got there.’
‘We both shared the same ideas and where to go and how long to stay.’
Their journey was filled with many surprises, mainly good things. It has changed his and Maura’s lives in many ways.
‘We appreciate its beauty and know that there is so much more to see,’ Ronan said.
‘We’vealso met some wonderful people all enjoying travel in various parts of Australia.’
‘The first thing that strikes you is the vast distances and huge size of the country,’ he continued.
‘The wildflowers, scenery and beaches are spectacular. They are a kaleidoscope of colours.’
‘Every day was different with exciting places to discover—Western Australia is probably our favourite of all.’
According to Ronan, the cost of life on the road was primarily fuel.
‘Over the 25,000kms, we spent $5,000 on diesel, and we were averaging around 11 litres per 100kms,’ Ronan said.
‘The average campsite cost was between $60 and $90 per night as we liked to book ensuite, powered sites.’
‘We stayed in about 80 places but found that groceries were very expensive.’
‘We tended to have one main meal per day either at home or at a pub or restaurant.’
Ronan raved about the features of their campervan.
'The height of the van provides a great viewing platform. It’s like being on a tour bus,' Ronan said.
'The van drove like a car, except you had to remember its length.'
The adventure doesn't end there, Ronan and Maura are already planning their next escapades to Tasmania, North Queensland, and a return to Western Australia.
‘Many new places to see—and some repeats.’ he said.
In a similar story, a grandfather won over $1.7 million in TattsLotto.
Despite his win, he said it’s ‘business as usual’ for him and planned to share the winnings with his family. You can read more about the story here
If you were lucky enough to win the lottery, how would you plan to make your dream trip a reality? Share them with us in the comments below!
For Ronan, 70, and Maura, 71, this dream transformed into a reality, all thanks to a $10 act of kindness that turned into a life-changing journey.
The couple, coming from Manly in Sydney, had their lives take an unexpected turn when they decided to support a charity by purchasing a raffle ticket.
Little did they know this small gesture would unlock the doors to their dream trip around Australia.
Ronan and Maura were up for a surprise after purchasing a raffle ticket. Credit: Unsplash
It all began with a simple email, a 'last chance reminder' to enter the 'Play for Purpose' raffle, supporting the famous not-for-profit National Seniors Australia.
The image of a gleaming Volkswagen Crafter Kampervan, a prize in the raffle, caught Ronan's eye and spurred him to take a chance.
The following day, a phone call arrived, one that Ronan initially dismissed as a follow-up from a caravan and camping show they had attended in Brisbane.
To their astonishment, the call was from Play for Purpose, announcing that they had won not only the campervan but also $100,000 in gold bullion.
‘We only realised the extent of our luck when we saw the van; we have not won anything in the past,’ Ronan said.
The news was so incredible that the couple suspected a hoax until confirmation came that 'R from Manly' was indeed the lucky winner.
'We phoned our children, and the celebrations began,’ he continued.
With their newfound fortune, Ronan and Maura's long-held aspiration to explore Western Australia, which once seemed financially out of reach, was now possible.
‘We still pinch ourselves when we see the van on returning from the shops and think...that it is ours.’ he said.
The couple spent five weeks preparing their new home on wheels, seeking advice and encouragement from friends who had embarked on similar travels.
‘They gave us great advice and encouragement. The plan was to follow the warm weather and do an anti-clockwise trip commencing in August,’ Ronan shared.
‘The “Wiki Camps App” was (also) great for planning, booking and information.’
‘No matter how much we studied Google Maps and looked at brochures about places, they always were better when you got there.’
‘We both shared the same ideas and where to go and how long to stay.’
Their journey was filled with many surprises, mainly good things. It has changed his and Maura’s lives in many ways.
‘We appreciate its beauty and know that there is so much more to see,’ Ronan said.
‘We’vealso met some wonderful people all enjoying travel in various parts of Australia.’
‘The first thing that strikes you is the vast distances and huge size of the country,’ he continued.
‘The wildflowers, scenery and beaches are spectacular. They are a kaleidoscope of colours.’
‘Every day was different with exciting places to discover—Western Australia is probably our favourite of all.’
Ronan and Maura won the Play for Purpose lottery. Credit: Instagram/playforpurpose
According to Ronan, the cost of life on the road was primarily fuel.
‘Over the 25,000kms, we spent $5,000 on diesel, and we were averaging around 11 litres per 100kms,’ Ronan said.
‘The average campsite cost was between $60 and $90 per night as we liked to book ensuite, powered sites.’
‘We stayed in about 80 places but found that groceries were very expensive.’
‘We tended to have one main meal per day either at home or at a pub or restaurant.’
Ronan raved about the features of their campervan.
'The height of the van provides a great viewing platform. It’s like being on a tour bus,' Ronan said.
'The van drove like a car, except you had to remember its length.'
The adventure doesn't end there, Ronan and Maura are already planning their next escapades to Tasmania, North Queensland, and a return to Western Australia.
‘Many new places to see—and some repeats.’ he said.
In a similar story, a grandfather won over $1.7 million in TattsLotto.
Despite his win, he said it’s ‘business as usual’ for him and planned to share the winnings with his family. You can read more about the story here
If you were lucky enough to win the lottery, how would you plan to make your dream trip a reality? Share them with us in the comments below!
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