Dragon’s Den Star Duncan Bannatyne and Wife Nigora Whitehorn Pledge to Transform Children’s Lives in Morocco

Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora headed to Morocco this week with charity Operation Smile as they vowed to help ‘change the lives of children’. 

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.

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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 @duncan.bannatyne — 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.

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.