Telethon Mega Bingo: Mum Tanya Ford takes home huge car prize after selling her vehicle to pay school fees

A mum who had just sold her car to pay for school fees will now be able to drive her daughter in a brand new GWM Haval Jolion after having the winning ticket at Telethon’s annual Mega Bingo event.

More than a quarter of a million dollars was raised for WA’s sickest children as over 10,000 participants descended on the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre over two days this weekend for Australia’s largest bingo call.

The stakes were high with more than $274,000 in cash prizes up for grabs across the weekend, including a single game with a whopping $37,500 prize.

Out of the 9481 tickets sold to win Sunday’s GWM Haval Jolion, valued at $29,990 drive away, Tanya Ford had the winning numbers and she was in complete shock as 7NEWS sports commentator Adrian Barich called her to the stage.

She said her family had never owned a new car.

“My husband has been catching public transport to his job at the airport — we live in Kallaroo so it takes over an hour,” she said.

“This is absolutely incredible to get to come here today.

“We have a car now. I just can’t believe it.”

She said she brought along a lucky golden owl that her friend had given her and “obviously the lucky owl was on our side.”

Lucky charms were a theme among the winners on Sunday with Annabel Tunley taking home $37,500 after pulling a toy horse out of her purse, which a school student had given her.

The teacher and grant writer was jumping and screaming as the bingo caller confirmed she had the winning numbers.

“I actually didn’t even know how to fill out a bingo card before I came here,” she said.

“I did actually feel quite lucky coming into today and those games before were getting me ready for the big win.

“Telethon is all about WA kids so I know seeing this room full of people really having fun and spending money has made me really think how important it is and how important this is for WA.”

For WA film director Jordon Prince-Wright, it was a full circle moment to be at the bingo event after Telethon helped him beat brain cancer as a child.

The director of WA’s biggest feature film, Before Dawn, said he is now able to support the cause that is close to his heart.

“I had a brain tumour when I was three and spent my childhood in Princess Margaret Hospital. If it wasn’t for Telethon that purchased the equipment that effectively saved my life, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

“As much as my company can now support Telethon, it’s fantastic.”

All proceeds from the weekend go towards Telethon to supporting life-changing programs, equipment and services for sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the State.

The 2025 Telethon Weekend will be held over October 18 and 19 at RAC Arena.