Following on from our earlier piece about Vicky Stradling appearing on ‘Reel History of Britain’, another Islander has graced our screens recently.
Isle of Wight physiotherapist and lecturer, Wendy Thompson, appeared half way through the latest Dragon’s Den episode to share her ideas with the Dragons.
Wendy was looking for £50,000 investment for a 40% of her company. Her product, the health swing, was what she described as a progressive whole-body exerciser, combining the ancient with a modern twist.
“You’re fabulous”
The invention had mixed reviews from the Dragons. Wendy had hopes of creating home versions of the equipment, as well as selling it into rehabilitation centres and gyms, but gym owner, Duncan Bannatyne, was clearly sceptical about the Health Swing and dismissed it very quickly. Theo Paphitis told Wendy, “You’re fabulous, but it’s not for me.”
Peter Jones didn’t believe it was something that could work as piece of home equipment and went on to use the well-worn words, “I’m out.”
Dragon Hilary Devey, looked more interested though, as she explained that she had experienced a severe stroke in the past, so understood the benefits of the equipment. However, she chose not to invest, but did say that “because you’re so lovely,” she would give her time and connect Wendy with neurologists and the Stroke Association to develop the equipment further.
Well done Wendy, we expect you were disappointed not getting the investment, but with some help from Hilary, there may well be another chance further down the line.
