Scottish Billionaire Joins Operation Smile to Aid Moroccan Children with Cleft Palates

Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora arrived in Casablanca this week with the charity Operation Smile to attend life-changing operations and meet patients - many of whom are babies and young children undergoing surgery - and their families, reports Mail Online. In a photo posted on social media, the Scottish philanthropist is seen in surgical scrubs and a cap. He was introducing Zyad, an eight-month-old baby, who was due to undergo cleft palate surgery.

After the operation, the Operation Smile ambassador posted another photo of the little one with the caption: "Zyad is recovering well from his operation, beautiful boy." The former Dragons’ Den star has previously visited the Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam, and Ghana with the charity. His wife also shared a glimpse of the trip to Morocco. In a post on social media, she expressed her joy at "meeting incredible children and families filled with hope."

Operation Smile is an American organization that brings smiles back to thousands of children suffering from facial deformities (cleft lip and palate) around the world. It is active in more than 35 countries worldwide. Each year, over 6,000 healthcare professionals, including surgeons, pediatricians, doctors, nurses, child life specialists, and many others, accompany them in fulfilling their mission.