‘Mum was a beautiful woman. We were together from start and right up until the end’
THE son of Leicestershire haulage boss and Dragons’ Den star Hilary Devey has paid a moving tribute to his “shining light” of a mother.
Entrepreneur Hilary, who was the founder of haulage firm Pall-ex, based in Coalville, died last Saturday at her holiday home in Morocco, following a long illness.
Her death led to a series of tributes from fellow Dragons’ Den stars, with her son now paying a moving tribute.
In a statement, Mevlit Brewsterahmet said his mum, who was 65, had been a “beautiful mum with a beautiful heart”.
He also said the pair “watched over each other” from beginning to the end.
Mevlit’s statement, which was released by Hilary’s lawyer Chris Waters at Meaby & Co Solicitors, saw the son speak of his heartbreak at the loss of his mother, who until recently lived in a wing of Rangemore Hall, near Burton
He said: “My mum was with me for my first breaths and I was with her for her last. She was a beautiful woman, a beautiful person and a beautiful mum with a beautiful heart. We were together from the start, right up until the end.
“We helped each other through the worst times in our lives and the best times. It was always me and my mum against the world as we watched over each other in our own way.”
Bolton-born Hilary founded Pall-ex in 1996 and remained the boss until 2009, when she sold the business.
While continuing in an ambassadorial role thereafter, Hilary gained a new career on TV where she became a firm favourite on the BBC’S popular business show Dragons’ Den. Known for her no-nonsense approach, Hilary was a Dragon on the BBC show for two series in 2011 and 2012, before leaving to present The Intern on Channel 4.
Hilary’s death also led to tributes from charities.
The businesswoman was made a CBE for services to business and charity in 2013, with the Stroke Association among those to issue its own tribute. Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: “We are sad to hear Hilary Devey has died after a long illness. After having a stroke herself, she was a long-time ambassador of the Stroke Association and we are very grateful for all the support she gave us over the years. “Hilary was keen that all stroke survivors received the help and support they need to rebuild their lives after stroke. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.”
Best know for her business work and her time in TV’S Dragons’ Den, son Mevlit hoped that his mother would never be forgotten for those who she inspired and helped.
“She helped so many people in her life – so please everyone never forget about my beautiful mum and pray that she is now in a better place, happy and content and comfortable,” he continued.
“Rest in peace mum – I will never stop loving you.”
It was always me and my mum against the world as we watched over each other.
Mevlit Brewster-Ahmet