Duncan Bannatyne of Dragon's Den offers veterans with PTSD a gym membership

The guitar magnate, Duncan Bannatyne, today calls on the government to do more to help all our struggling military heroes.

But he also put his money where his mouth is.

The former Dragons' Den judge made an urgent appeal by offering hundreds of free spaces in the gyms to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Duncan's fantastic generosity comes as he throws himself behind the Sunday People's Save Our Soldiers campaign.

The TV business angel, who served for six years in the Royal Navy after joining the company at sixteen, said that without the help of charities, "most veterans would fall through the cracks ".

The millionaire runs the largest independent chain of health clubs in the UK.

And he now gives five-year subscriptions in each of his 72 health clubs to veterans of the army with PTSD.

Duncan, 70, told Sunday People, "I really believe our military is the best in the world. I think they do an amazing job and the bravery that comes with it is remarkable.

"If I can help modestly, for example by giving a free subscription to help fight PTSD, then I'm happy to do it.

"It's something that's very dear to me."

Duncan's father, William, spent three and a half years in a Japanese POW camp during the Second World War. He was starving before liberation in 1945.

William, an Argyll and Sutherland Highland infantryman, was captured while fighting the invasion of Malaysia and Singapore by Japan in 1942.

Duncan said, "My father was someone who did not really talk about his time as a PV. However, over the years, I have received it badly and when I hear what he has endured, it makes me so proud to have seen how brave he was. "

Duncan's military background is one of the reasons he is deeply concerned about the plight of soldiers with PTSD.

New figures show that 21,378 veterans were sent to the NHS for mental health treatment last year, but only 16,644 started treatment.

Duncan said, "The government should be more proactive.

"I know that they have help and procedures in place to help veterans with PTSD.

"However, I spoke to veterans who could not get the help they needed from the government and who had to look for help elsewhere.

"Charities end up being the place where most veterans ask for help. Without the support of charities, I think most veterans would fall through the cracks. "

He also wants to see more support for families of veterans suffering from PTSD, as they "also live the nightmare".

And Duncan says more needs to be done to help people with all the mental health issues.

He said, "The first step is to get people to talk more about their feelings.

"Other factors that can help stay are staying active, trying to eat well, drinking in moderation, and staying in touch with people, groups, and organizations that can help."

"The most important thing is that when someone struggles, he gets the support he needs."

Duncan added, "I have traveled the world and I loved it.

"I think being part of the military gives you a sense of belonging, stability and pride in serving your country in the best way possible."

A government spokesman said, "Veterans can get specialized medical badistance from the NHS and find a wide range of other support services through our Veterans Gateway."

How can veterinarians with PTSD apply

Duncan Bannatyne, photographed in one of his health clubs, offers hundreds of members to recovering veterans of the army after PTSD.

Five one-year memberships will be awarded at each of the country's 72 Duncan clubs.

Memberships will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants may be asked to prove their military history and the details of their diagnosis.

Gymnasiums reserve the right to make a final decision about the recipients.

To apply, send an email to: [email protected]

Charities can also contact the veterans they support.

It could very well save lives

By Sean Rayment

Veterans' charities say Duncan Bannatyne's astonishing generosity could save the lives of our neglected heroes.

Former Royal Marine Jeff Williams, of Veterans United Against Suicide, applauded this generous gesture.

"I would love to be able to shake Duncan's hand in a gesture of respect from the veterans community.

"This is exactly the type of initiative that the veterans community needs.

"If there is a better way to ban PTSD, I do not know what it is.

"Sport and fitness are essential for good mental health. "For veterans suffering from PTSD, this could be a lifesaver and it's not an exaggeration."

Dan Arnold, former soldier and suffering from PTSD, founder of the group All Calls Signs, added: "I think it's a brilliant initiative and a hat to Duncan and the Bannatyne group.

"We all know how important physical exercise can be for veterans with mental health issues.

"I personally discovered that running was sometimes my savior. This will go a long way toward helping some veterans who are struggling to get out, exercise and improve their mental health, all for free. "

Former Color Sergeant Trevor Coult, who won the Military Cross for fighting insurgents in Baghdad in 2005 and campaigning for veterans' rights, said, "It's just great.

"Bravo Duncan Bannatyne. This will cheer up hundreds of UK veterans.

"Fitness is the key to good mental health and this offer will help transform lives."

Boost your vim at the gym

Vigorous exercise stimulates the release of endorphins by the brain, chemicals that provide a sense of well-being and are generally unaffected by PTSD.

Exercise can also remove and reduce other chemicals in the body that reinforce the feelings of anxiety and depression.

An intense activity also tires the body so that sleep is easier. Duncan Bannatyne said, "I have always been exercising since opening my first health club in 1997.

"When I was in full development of my empire, my stress level was insignificant and exercise was a way to handle all that life has in store for you.

"I would always recommend exercise as a way to handle stress and life stresses."