London hospital IT worker shocked to win £15,000 cash prize

0

A hospital IT worker from north London has won £15,000 in cash thanks to lifestyle competition, BOTB.

Karl Bates, from North Finchley, works on the clinical systems at North Middlesex Hospital, and was delighted to receive a surprise call from BOTB presenter Christian Williams over Facetime to tell him he had won the cash prize.

“It was quite a shock to get the call to say I’d won,” said the 51-year-old. “As you can imagine it’s been very busy at work recently, and this was a nice bit of positive news.”

Karl has no immediate plans for the money, and will wait until the current coronavirus crisis has passed before making any decisions, however his son Rhys, 16, will benefit straight away.

“He’s been after a new computer for a little while as his current one has slowed down quite a bit, and it would be good to get him a new one before he starts his A-levels,” said Karl.

“I had been holding off, but this money has meant I can look into this now.”

BOTB’s Christian, who surprises winners weekly all over the world, was thrilled to be able to give Karl the good news.

“It’s great to be able to give people like Karl, who is working hard alongside his colleagues in the NHS to keep everyone safe right now, a nice surprise,” said Christian.

“We hope young Rhys enjoys his new computer and that Karl is able to treat himself later in the year.”

Since being founded in 1999 by William Hindmarch, BOTB has given away over £29m worth of prizes.