Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne vows to give away £300M fortune

Jun 22 2008

DRAGONS' Den tycoon Duncan Bannatyne yesterday pledged to donate his entire £300million fortune to charity before he dies.

The 59-year-old businessman will use his fortune to help underprivileged children around the world.

His Bannatyne Foundation already helps youngsters in Romania, Malawi, Colombia and the UK.

And the dad-of-six, who has been involved with charities for 15 years, said it was bringing up his own children that made him get involved.

He said: "There was no one moment that made me decide to do it.

"But as I brought up my own children and saw what was required, I decided the best thing for me to do would be to help others.

"I want to give away almost all of my fortune. At the moment that stands at £310million but I want to give away half a billion.

"My businesses are doing very well and are continuing to make profits.

"I have just got permission to build two more hotels and as my businesses continue to expand, I am confident I will have more money to give."

The fitness and leisure tycoon said his upbringing in Clydebank had inspired him to help good causes.

He said: "It was very influential. It was a very loving family, and my mum and dad worked very hard for us.

"But we were poor and I hated it."

His foundation currently funds a hospice for Aidsstricken children in Romania and pays for 20,000 Malawian youngsters to be fed and educated.

He also supports a project for underprivileged kids in Glasgow's Easterhouse.

Bannatyne added: "It is the best feeling in the world being able to help these young people."