BBC Dragons' Den's Hilary Devey leaves no money in will despite £80m fortune
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Despite an estimated fortune of £80 million, Hilary Devey CBE reportedly left no cash in her will. The former star of BBC's Dragons' Den sadly passed away aged 65 in June 2022 whilst on holiday in Marrakesh, Morocco.
The Bolton-born businesswoman had been fighting a long-term illness, and her death sparked touching tributes from ex-colleagues and fans alike.
A year on from her passing, some intriguing details about her will have surfaced. Despite her considerable wealth, Hilary only left material possessions, including jewellery, to her loved ones.
As per the Daily Mail, Hilary's 2021 will stated that her iconic diamond cross should go to her friend Audrey Mulligan, while her personal belongings were bequeathed to her son Mevlit Brewster-Ahmet and her publicist and solicitor, who served as trustees. This leaves the destiny of her estimated £80 million fortune somewhat enigmatic.
Hilary's early years in the North West were worlds apart from her later triumphs. As a young girl, she saw bailiffs confiscating items from her family home after her father Arthur Brewster's central heating firm went bust, according to the Mirror, reports the Express.
However, this hardship only stoked Hilary's drive, leading her to set up her own pallet business, financed by selling her house and car.
Speaking about her motivation for success, Devey once said: "I didn't want my son to go without so I pushed myself hard to build a life for us. Fortunately, I was always good with numbers and I loved the cut and thrust of business."
Her determination paid off handsomely.
Throughout her life, she remained actively engaged in charity work, notably donating a penny for each pallet her firm, Pall-Ex, delivered as part of their 'Penny a Pallet' scheme.
Acknowledged for her substantial input to the transport industry and her altruistic efforts, she was honoured in the 2013 Birthday Honours, receiving the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
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