Latest news with #Nigora
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora witness ‘life-changing' surgeries
Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist Duncan Bannatyne is currently in Morocco with his wife Nigora to support Operation Smile. The Dragons' Den star has been an ambassador for the charity, which provides free cleft lip and palate surgery for children, since 2013. The couple are there to witness the charity's Women in Medicine programme and to meet the young patients and their families as they undergo life-changing operations carried out entirely by female medics. The health clubs entrepreneur met eight-month-old Zyad, who was about to undergo surgery on a cleft palate. Bannatyne has previously visited Operation Smile missions in the Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam and Ghana. His chain of gyms has raised £45,000 for the charity over a week of events. 'I am incredibly proud to support Operation Smile and witness the life-changing impact of these surgeries,' Bannatyne said. 'The dedication and expertise of the medical teams provide hope and brighter futures for so many children. 'It was wonderful to meet Zyad before his operation and witness the transforming effect that Operation Smile has on children's lives.' On his website, Bannatyne said charity work 'often leaves you feeling depressed, and helpless thinking, 'there must be more I can do'. 'Operation Smile is different. You see first-hand a child's life changed forever by a simple operation that takes less than one hour. You see the children's new smile and the happy tears of their parents. For me, it doesn't get much better than that. 'We need to keep making this happen because there are still so many children suffering."
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Duncan Bannatyne, 75, and his wife Nigora Whitehorn, 45, witness life-changing operations at children's hospital in Casablanca with charity Operation Smile
Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora headed to Morocco this week with charity Operation Smile to witness life-changing operations. The Scottish entrepreneur has been a supporter and ambassador for Operation Smile - which helps children with cleft palettes and carries out free surgeries across the world - since 2013. Duncan recently travelled with Nigora to Casablanca with the charity to observe life-changing operations and meet the patients - many of whom are babies and toddlers receiving surgery - and their families, as part of the Women in Medicine programme. The former Dragons' Den star has previously visited The Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam, and Ghana with the charity. Duncan shared a snap of himself in a surgical gown and cap as he introduced eight-month-old Zyad, who was heading into surgery for a cleft palette operation. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. He later shared another snap of the tot after the surgery as he wrote: 'Zyad is recovering well from his operation, Handsome boy.' Sharing a look at their trip to Morocco, Nigora wrote: 'Day One: Selection Day with @opsmileuk and @operationsmilemorocco_official @gabbywhitehorn @tombannatyne1 @ — an emotional and inspiring start, meeting the incredible kids and families filled with hope. ✨.' Duncan showed his generous and philanthropic spirit last year at the Pride Of Britain Awards, after making a huge donation to an incredibly inspiring child's fundraiser. The ceremony had viewers in floods of tears when it aired in November, as it showed eight-year-old girl Florence Bark honoured with a Child of Courage award. The exceptionally brave little girl has battled acute myeloid leukaemia from a young age and is currently waiting for a lung transplant. But even while coping with her own health issues, Florence - who goes by Florrie - has set up her own charity to help other children with cancer, called Be More Fab. And her family has set up a secret GoFundMe page to raise money for the charity, which can be found here. Entrepreneur Duncan, 75, dug deep after being touched by Florrie's story when he attended the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday. Sharing a look at their trip to Morocco, Nigora wrote: 'Day One: Selection Day with @opsmileuk and @operationsmilemorocco_official @gabbywhitehorn @tombannatyne1 @ — an emotional and inspiring start, meeting the incredible kids and families filled with hope. ✨' The businessman benevolently gave a whopping £30,000 to Florrie's fund on Thursday, becoming the top donation of the almost £75,000 raised so far. The Bannatyne health club owner celebrated his milestone 75th birthday with a lavish party in February, as he danced the night away with his beloved wife Nigora. The acclaimed entrepreneur enjoyed the special day as Nigora documented the celebration on her Instagram page, sharing a stunning shot of the couple posing together. Taking to her Stories, the former dental surgery receptionist recorded herself next to Duncan during their lavish outing. Another snap captured Nigora posing inside the sumptuous location as she beamed next to her husband. The Uzbekistan-born beauty exuded fashion wearing Versace from head to toe, sizzling in a chic gold print co-ord from the house brand. Another video captured the Dragon's Den star enjoying his time as he was seen busy chatting to one of his friends, showing a live band on stage in the background. Duncan was in high spirits and appeared to have fully recovered from his recent injury, after he was seen using a walking stick and wearing a knee brace. Right after New Year's celebrations, the philanthropist was seen boarding a plane to depart St Barts' Gustaf III Airport - after spending the festive season on the island alongside his beloved wife.
