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Secret millionaire makes mark in Sunderland

Secret millionaire Jonathan Hick has left a lasting legacy after his time in Sunderland, as two community groups who received help from the entrepreneur are now working together.

Sit’n’b’Fit Community Interest Company - which promotes health through chair-based exercise - is linking up with mental health project Headlight.

The two Sunderland-based groups were given thousands of pounds when Jonathan visited the city in April with the Channel 4 TV show.

While working with Headlight, the 45-year-old, who has been spotting business opportunities since he was 13, drew on his own experience of suffering a breakdown. He bonded instantly with Sit’n’b’Fit creator Lynn Summerside, who was juggling running a business and bringing up a family. Two months later, Lynn is using the £15,000 from Jonathan to recruit an admin assistant, freeing up more of her time.

She is also about to start working with Headlight, which will soon be opening its doors on evenings and Saturdays, after Jonathan handed over £20,000.

Lynn said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be working with Headlight. They’ve match- funded so we’re going to be able to provide 40 weeks of exercise. I’ve also been contacted by a council in Scotland who want to look at developing what we have with Sit’n’‘b’Fit here in Sunderland.”

Jonathan continues to mentor Lynn, fitting emails and phonecalls into his busy schedule.

Lynn, along with partner organisations, will be developing a business plan over the next year. “If you have the vision and passion and a team that shares that vision and passion, the world is your oyster,” she said.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .