Why Leeds millionaire Matt Haycox is to fund single mum's business dream after spending a week living her life

Leeds-based Matt Haycox swapped lives with mother-of-two Anna Bardgett for seven days for the Channel 5 programme, Rich House, Poor House.

Mr Haycox, 39, found the Yorkshire mother’s work ethic, dedication, and fighting spirit so impressive that afterwards he decided to help her set up her dream dog walking and grooming business.

With a £10,000 investment from Mr Haycox, 38-year-old Anna has now set up Fur Everything, a dog care business, which will launch once the coronavirus lockdown is over.

Mr Haycox is well-acquainted with the benefit of being given a second chance.

During his twenties he was a successful entrepreneur with a chain of lap dancing clubs.

However, his business collapsed in 2008 and in 2010 he was banned from being a company director for 12 years after an Insolvency Service investigation.He now uses his experience to advise small and medium-sized businesses on how to grow and to avoid the mistakes he made.

Mr Haycox said: “As each day went on I got to know more about Anna – through the things in her house and her friends and family.

“I knew I was going to like her when I eventually met her. I knew she would be a lovely, kind and generous person and also I learned how much hardship she has endured.

“She works hard every single day for her kids and anyone close to her. When I met her everything I had come to expect and more was true.

“It felt only natural for me to do something for this person who has always done everything for everybody else.”