Dragons' Den star 'collapsed to the floor dead' before creating life-changing product

A Dragons' Den entrepreneur has disclosed his harrowing health ordeal that saw him "collapsing on the floor dead", which inspired a revolutionary product.

Cambridgeshire's Paul Westerman pitched his invention in a 2022 episode of Dragons' Den, which is being broadcast again tonight.

He pursued an innovation to combat a severe issue after undergoing a personal crisis that resulted in creating a device aimed to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Paul shared his vision for positive impact, stating: "I get a sense of doing good with what we're trying to accomplish, I'm proud to be a part of this."

In search of investment, Paul bravely stepped into the Den seeking £50,000 for a 15% stake, facing titans like Steven Bartlett, Sara Davies, Touker Suleyman, Deborah Meaden, and Peter Jones, reports Lancs Live.

His gripping backstory includes a near-fatal event in April 2011, when just nine days shy of his wedding, he "collapsed on the floor dead".

Paul detailed his traumatic experience, stating: "I had suffered a massive bilateral pulmonary embolism," attributing it to a deep vein thrombosis that developed in his leg post knee injury.

With a survival story to tell, he further narrated: "I survived obviously, and fortunately," now dedicating his efforts to spreading awareness and cautioning those who lead sedentary lifestyles, be it office work, gaming, or travelling.

It wasn't long before he seemed to captivate at least one Dragon, as Peter disclosed his very own race to the hospital following a flight.

He recounted: "I know this is an issue, I was coming back from a flight to Los Angeles and I basically ended up in hospital in Windsor with a tube in my groin and it was without doubt because I wasn't moving for a long period of time, and ever since I've done exactly the same as you, I move all the time.

"Sadly many people have lost their lives over this problem," he continued, commending Paul's invention.

Steven praised: "First of all, I wanted to congratulate you for turning your pain and hardship that you went through into your purpose.

"Both you and Peter had no idea that this was going to happen before it did."

Despite the potential of the product, the lack of a patent led Steven, along with Sara, Deborah, Peter, and Steven, to withdraw from investing.

"It's not investable as it is," Touker concurred, yet expressed interest in "exploring" further possibilities.

Touker, with his extensive contacts in the NHS and airlines, decided to "explore the unknown" and made an offer for 35% equity, significantly more than what Paul had initially proposed.

"Paul I hope I can make your dreams come true," Touker declared upon Paul accepting the deal.

"You've given somebody a real lifeline there," Peter complimented.

Dragons' Den is available to watch on BBC iPlayer