Duncan Bannatyne is best known for his straight-talking performances on Dragons’ Den.
Plenty of investors walked away with his catchphrase “I’m out” ringing in their ears.
But when it comes to our veterans – he’s in.
Mr Bannatyne has thrown his weight behind the Sunday People’s Save Our Soldiers campaign. And his intervention couldn’t have come sooner.
He is giving away hundreds of memberships to Bannatyne Gyms for veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
It’s an important move.
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Because stats show physical exercise is hugely beneficial to mental health.
And being able to socialise in a gym, being part of something again, and setting goals and targets can only help boost the self-esteem of those who feel isolated.
Last year, 21,378 veterans were referred to the NHS for mental health treatment.
But only 16,644 started treatment.
There are all sorts of reasons for this.
Among them is the stigma some feel over mental health.
Mr Bannatyne’s offer can only help alleviate that.
He told us: “I truly believe that our armed forces are the best in the world.”
His gesture reflects that.
And his belief that the Government needs to do more to help those who serve and come back to us is one we can all get behind.
