Zimbabweans get thousands in Reality TV show from Secret Milionaire

LEICESTER, UK – Zimbabwean refugees in Leicester and a number of charities were left stunned when self-made millionaire took out his chequebook to give them a slice of his cash in a reality TV Show. Property mogul and self-made millionaire Jahan Abedi spent eight days undercover in the county to find out how best to distribute thousands of pounds to worthy causes for the Channel 4 TV Series. Tonight’s show will see Mr Abedi, who owns a string of bars and clubs in Cardiff, adopting a secret identity while spending time at Refugee Action Leicester, Loros hospice and FareShare food poverty charity. At Refugee Action, in Millstone Lane in the city centre, viewers will see Mr Abedi donating a chunk of his fortune after meeting a group of men who had fled Zimbabwe. The money will fund the Fresh Start Project, which will provide six months of shelter and support to asylum-seekers who have not had their cases accepted but have not returned to their countries of origin. Refugee Action deputy manager Aidan Hallett said: “We were surprised but extremely grateful when we realised Jahan was a millionaire and wanted to help people who were in this vulnerable state. “The Fresh Start Project aims to help those who have fallen through the net and make sure they are reintegrated into the asylum system. “The project will employ a support worker and recruit specialist volunteers to help the residents work through their cases and find a sustainable resolution, whether that is obtaining some form of status, or returning to their countries voluntarily. “Thanks to The Secret Millionaire, this issue will get the attention and the support it deserves.” Mr Abedi, who was born in Iran, also spent time with staff and volunteers at Loros hospice, in Groby Road, and at the charity’s shops. After hearing moving accounts of how the hospice supports terminally-ill patients during their final days, Mr Abedi decided to donate cash to the cause. The money, donated following the filming in September, was used to furnish the hospice’s extension, for which the Leicester Mercury has also been raising cash. Loros matron Chris Faulkner said she was looking forward to watching the show. She said: “This was a great opportunity for Loros to share with our community the essence of what the hospice is all about. “My thanks to all who were involved in the filming. “The millionaire involved in this programme very generously gave us a donation which we have used to furnish the social area of our new Willow Wing extension here at the hospice. “This generous gift I really view as a tribute to all our fantastic volunteers and staff.” Mr Abedi also donated to FareShare Leicester, which is partnered with the Diocese of Leicester and redistributes surplus foods from supermarkets that would otherwise end up in landfill. The Secret Millionaire in on Channel 4 at 9pm tonight.