‘What do you want for our anniversary?’ asks Bannatyne
‘A new arm for inspirational disabled boy,’ replies his wife

DUNCAN BANNATYNE, star of TV’s Dragons’ Den, has given £25,000 to buy a bionic arm for a North-East Paralympic hopeful.

The gesture came about when the multi-millionaire asked his wife, Joanne, what she would like as a gift for their wedding anniversary.

Mrs Bannatyne had just returned from an event in London where she had met Weardale’s Lyndon Longhorne.

She was so touched by his bravery that she asked her husband to help buy a prosthetic arm for him.

Lyndon, 14, from Crook, County Durham, lost both legs and part of an arm to meningitis as a baby, but is determined one day to represent his country at swimming.

Mrs Bannatyne was bowled over by the schoolboy’s courage as the charity Wellchild named him Bravest Child 2009 at an awards ceremony in London.

She later suggested to her husband they forego the usual flowers and chocolates and help Lyndon instead.

The couple’s generosity has stunned Limbs For Lyndon fundraisers, who have been working hard to secure cash for the teenager.

The Northern Echo backed Durham County Council chairman Brian Myers’ quest to buy artificial legs after Lyndon’s family revealed his NHS limbs were holding him back. The £10,000 target was reached in a matter of days.

Mrs Bannatyne said: “After meeting Lyndon at the Wellchild Awards and learning of his battle to not only lead a normal life but train to swim in the Paralympics, both Duncan and myself were touched and wanted to help out.

“With this, we all hope he can stop worrying about funds and start leading a normal teenage life and train hard for that Paralympic place.

“The fundraising that has secured the purchase of his legs was outstanding, so I said to Duncan instead of buying wedding anniversary presents, we should cover the costs of Lyndon’s bionic arm.”

Lyndon, who was named The Northern Echo Local Hero of 2009 earlier this month, said he was shocked by the couple’s kindness.

He said: “Duncan phoned me up to tell me he was going to pay and I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say.

“I can’t thank them enough for what they have done. I am over the moon.”

Mr Bannatyne started his business career shortly after he moved to Stockton, selling ice cream from a £450 van.

The 60-year-old is now worth £320m and has an empire of hotels, health clubs and nursing homes.

Councillor Myers joined Lyndon in thanking Mr Bannatyne. He said: “This gesture is way beyond what we would expect anyone to give.

“It really warms my heart that Joanne has seen the plight of Lyndon and has done something about it.

“I am sure that, with this generous donation, Lyndon will get his new arm and start to use it in his everyday life.

“As I’ve said before, he deserves the best because he is the best.” Meanwhile, Lyndon knocked six seconds off the national record for the 100m individual medley at Bishop Auckland’s Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre on Saturday.

His bionic limb will respond to the muscles in his arm and enable him to take driving lessons.

Campaigners will, however, continue to raise cash for Lyndon’s future needs.

Coun Myers hopes to give a total of £15,000 to the family when he steps down as chairman in April.

He said: “Although this is a massive landmark in the fundraising I shall continue to raise money for the fund during my year of office. Lyndon will still need a lot of funding as the years progress.”

Anyone who wishes to donate is asked to contact legsforlyndon@durham.gov.uk or call 0191-372-5922.

Alternatively, write to Brian Myers, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham, DH1 5UL.