Sarah Ferguson's Gun Determination

3 months ago 11th Aug 14:00

Britain's Sarah Ferguson became "more determined" to create a community centre after the building was attacked by a man with a gun.

The Duchess of York insists the incident - which saw the windows of the building on the Northern Moor estate in Wythenshawe, Manchester, which Sarah helped raise the money for, blown out - helped increase her drive top help people.

She said: "A man disapproved of the centre, so he got a gun and shot the windows out. We weren't there at the time - but it only made me more determined than ever to finish it."

The duchess has spent 10 days on the estate trying to help improve the sense of community for a new TV programme.

Although she aimed to raise the money for a centre to improve the lives of locals, it has been claimed some thought she was unnecessarily interfering.

Revealing how she was rudely spoken to by some of the young people, Sarah told the Radio Times magazine: "I prefer it when people don't recognise me.

The hoodies I spoke to thought I was a toffee-nosed git, and were effing and blinding. But that's fine. I wanted them to realise that not everybody is automatically going to think they are bad.

"The hoodies I spoke to thought I was a toffee-nosed git, and were effing and blinding. But that's fine. I wanted them to realise that not everybody is automatically going to think they are bad."

Sarah - the ex-wife of Prince Andrew - teamed up with resident Dawn McGeown, 42, who was keen to bring her community together for the show.

The duchess explained: "I recruited a Mums' Army to find an old building to transform into a community centre. And I found Dawn - this wonderful, strong, special woman who knew everyone - and made her my colonel-in-chief.

"She's now on my payroll - a mum-of-three with a criminal record for assaulting another mum. Like her, I've made mistakes. I wanted to give her another chance."

'The Duchess On The Estate' airs on ITV1 on August 18 at 9pm.

Meanwhile, Sarah has forged a friendship with Michael Jackson's ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley.

The duchess has been helping Lisa deal with her grief since the pop icon died on June 25, and has even asked her to join her on holiday in Spain.

A source explained: "They met in America and have become very close.

"It may seem an odd combination but they get on very well and have lots in common. Sarah invited her to Bea's birthday. She came with her children and partner."