Kwik Save philanthropist on charity 'pact with God'

Billionaire businessman Albert Gubay has been speaking about the "pact with God" that led to his decision to give away half of his fortune.

The Isle of Man-based philanthropist said he had no regrets about the size of his charitable donations.

Rhyl-born Mr Gubay will be given a Papal Knighthood - the highest award a Roman Catholic lay person can receive.

The 82-year-old will receive the honour from the Archbishop of Westminster at St Anthony's Church in Onchan.

'God help me'

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the ceremony, the founder of the Kwik Save chain said his success was down to hard work, a lot of luck - and a "partner" he first found help from when aged in his 20s and penniless with two young children.

"One Saturday I didn't know where the next penny was coming from and I lay on my bed and I had this conversation with God," he said.

"I said 'God, help me and whatever I make over the years of my life, when I die half will go to the church."

Mr Gubay has amassed a fortune "in excess" of £1bn, a number he argued was "so great [large] it does not mean anything".

"I know some people that don't want to give anything away. They just want to grab on to it," he added.

"I don't know what for because there comes a time you can't grab on to it so you might as well try to do some good with it.

"I only spend normally. I've got no flash cars or big yachts or anything like that - I just live a normal life with my wife and I'm quite happy to do that."

The Knight Commander with Star of the Order of St Gregory the Great, an order bestowed by the Pope which dates back to 1831, is given for conspicuous service to the Church and society.