‘This is the best news ever’ - Scientist bags £36k car and cash prize bundle in online competition

Sara Temelso, from Sutton, won a Mini Cooper E Exclusive Level 1 worth £34,000 alongside a £2,000 cash prize in BOTB’s Lifestyle Competition.

After recently undergoing ankle surgery, the 37-year-old was working from home when she received a video call from BOTB presenter Christian Williams, who revealed the exciting news.

“I can’t believe it,” Sara said. “It’s amazing – I’m struggling to process that I’ve actually won.

“It's definitely made my year and will make a big difference to my plans.

“You enter hoping to win, but you don’t really expect it. This is the best news ever!”

The Mini Cooper E Exclusive Level 1 is an all-electric, three-door hatchback packed with cutting-edge features and powered by a 41kWh battery. It marks a major upgrade for Sara, who already owns a much older Mini.

“I’ve always had Minis and love them,” she said. “My current one is 12 years old.”

As for her cash prize? Sara already has plans.

“I’ve been wanting to replace my bathtub for a while as it’s cracked, but I wasn’t sure how I’d pay for it. I will definitely go on a nice long holiday,” she added.

Christian said: “It was such a pleasure to surprise Sara, especially while she’s recovering from surgery.

“She’s clearly a big Mini fan, so to give her an electric upgrade like this – complete with some extra cash – was a great moment.

“The Mini Cooper E is an awesome little car. It’s fun, stylish and packed with tech.”

Leading car competitions company BOTB hands over the keys to a stunning dream car each week, as well as offering lifestyle prizes.

It also offers people the chance to win a holiday, cash, tech, cars and more in its Instant Wins Competition.

Founded in 1999, BOTB has given away £98.6m-worth of cars so far.

To see Sara’s reaction alongside a host of other lucky winners, head over to BOTB.com.