Major Hartlepool employer announces new partnership with Miles for Men

A major Hartlepool employer has pledged its long-term support to popular charity Miles for Men.
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Staff at TMD Friction, on the Oakesway Industrial Estate, which employs around 400 people, will hold regular fundraisers, and the firm will back events organised by Miles for Men for the next three years.

The company, which makes brake friction materials for vehicles, has supported the community charity for a number of years including giving £11,000 to help Hartlepool youngster Dottie O’Keefe get an operation to help her walk two years ago.

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They were also the main sponsor of last year’s Miles for Men and Walk for Women annual fun run.

TMD Friction Staff (left to right) Alison Matthews, Tom Russell and Michael Findlay along with Michael Day from Miles for Men as they shake hands on a new partnership. Picture by FRANK REIDTMD Friction Staff (left to right) Alison Matthews, Tom Russell and Michael Findlay along with Michael Day from Miles for Men as they shake hands on a new partnership. Picture by FRANK REID
TMD Friction Staff (left to right) Alison Matthews, Tom Russell and Michael Findlay along with Michael Day from Miles for Men as they shake hands on a new partnership. Picture by FRANK REID

Alison Matthews, personal assistant at TMD Friction, said: “It was with the Spotty for Dottie campaign that the partnership was born.

“From there we have grown and helped support various activities. I put a communication out to the whole factory and they all put Miles for Men down as the charity they wanted to support.

“We are proud and really pleased to be able to help them help other people in the local area.”

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The charity’s work in the community ranges from supporting adults and children with disabilities and serious illness, such as cancer, to raising money and awareness for mental health, Down syndrome.

TMD Friction gave £11,000 towards Miles for Men's campaign to pay for an operation for Hartlepool youngster Dottie O'Keefe, the daughter of employee Danny O'Keefe, back in 2018.TMD Friction gave £11,000 towards Miles for Men's campaign to pay for an operation for Hartlepool youngster Dottie O'Keefe, the daughter of employee Danny O'Keefe, back in 2018.
TMD Friction gave £11,000 towards Miles for Men's campaign to pay for an operation for Hartlepool youngster Dottie O'Keefe, the daughter of employee Danny O'Keefe, back in 2018.

They also have a caravan at Crimdon to offer short breaks to those who need it and give food twice a week with the Changing Lives ministry.

Charity founder Micky Day said about TMD Friction’s support: “We are just a little charity and for them to believe in us is great.

“Every time we approach TMD they back us all the way. To be chosen as their charity is fantastic.

“It means everything.”

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TMD Friction have already donated £5,000 to the charity this year alone.

Tom Russell, their UK HR manager, added: “We’re one of the biggest employers in Hartlepool and a lot of our employees live in the community and get involved with the Miles for Men fun run and other activities.

“It is a real partnership.”

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