A CHARITY-giving businessman surprised a high street magnate with the gift of kindness.

Dragons’ Den star and retail guru Theo Paphitis celebrated his 60th birthday and 160 businesses from his Small Business Sunday (SBS) project came together to celebrate by supporting the Maldon-based Secret Hamper project.

The initiative, run by Nigel Richardson, saw 70 bespoke hampers being delivered to staff at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, a cause close to Theo’s heart, which he has been supporting for ten years.

Nigel said: “These generous businesses have come from the north of England to Scotland and as far south as France to show their thanks in many ways.

“Theo has given so much to small businesses over the years who are part of SBS, some of which have had life-changing opportunities.

“When I realised that this year saw his 60th birthday I knew we had to do something special – but what do you get a multimillionaire?”

“The aim of the NHS 70 project is to invite businesses, celebrities and individuals throughout the UK to celebrate 70 years of the NHS – recognising the wonderful care given by the unsung heroes working at all levels within the organisation by sponsoring bespoke hampers to say a big thank you for dedicating their lives to caring for others.”

Having previously taken part in the Many Hands appeal which Theo spearheaded for the hospital, Nigel thought it would be fitting to get SBS winners involved with the initiative.

He added: “The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital was always going to be on our list but how special would it be if that specific delivery was just made up of SBS winners?

“With it also being the hospital’s tenth birthday, it was like it was meant to be.”

Theo was so surprised by the gift, he took to social media to give his thanks.

In a video address on Twitter, he said: “Guys, I would just like to say a big ‘thank you very much’ for all your wonderful Twitter birthday wishes.

“This is Theo Paphitis, version 6.0.

“Before I go, I just want to say a big thank you to Nigel, the 160 SBS winners and, of course, the marvellous Deborah Meaden who collected enough money to send 70 hampers on my behalf to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for the hard-working staff there.

“What a fantastic present you gave me. Thank you very much, I’m going to have a marvellous day.”