Dragons’ Den contestant Graeme Turner, who died in October last year, appeared on the BBC programme in 2010
Dragons’ Den contestant Graeme Turner appeared on the programme with a unique proposal for the panel years before his tragic death.
The contestant died aged 53 on October 1. In an inquest, it was heard the businessman was found in a woodland area in Pwllheli in North Wales. Coroner Kate Robertson gave the verdict of suicide during the hearing this week. Meanwhile, his funeral took place on January 16.
Graeme appeared on BBC’s Dragon’s Den in 2010 where he pitched the idea of a children’s customisable wallpaper kit to the investors. The contestant was looking for a sum of £50,000 for 5% of his firm, Stadium of Dreams, but the dragons didn’t take the opportunity. The children’s kit helped parents to transform their child’s bedroom into their favourite football stadium.
Dragon Shaf Rasul asked what Graeme charged his customers, with the businessman responding that the selling price was £300 per bedroom while his competitors were charging between £4-600 per room. Unfortunately, Shaf wasn’t convinced and questioned what would stop the football clubs from offering these designs themselves.
“The way that clubs work they don’t want any of the hassle of that. They’ll sit there and want a third party to run it,” Graeme said. However, Shaf disagreed and said clubs would do ‘anything’ for revenue. Dragon Julie Myer wasn’t convinced by his pitch either, leading to Graeme listing the products he could provide.
After minutes of intense questioning, Julie and Shaf told him they weren’t interested in investing in his firm. Graeme didn’t take the moment to heart as in the next scene he was filmed walking down the stairs yelling: “Football’s coming home!” before discussing his experience on the show, which he said was ‘great’.
Meanwhile, after his tragic death, his son paid tribute to the businessman on Facebook. Along with a picture of his father, his son wrote: “I have just lost the best, strongest, kindest, most loyal, courageous dad I have ever had and known, he was the godfather the inspiration in my life. I am devastated and that is an understatement.” Friends and family took to the comment section to offer their support during the family’s difficult time.
One heartbroken friend said: “Very sad news, Graeme was a true gentleman and will be sadly missed by all Condolences to Graeme family and friends,” and another posted: “An absolute gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who knew him, my thoughts are with his family at this sad time, safe now in the arms of Jesus.”
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