Posted: 6th May 2026 | Back to news feed
BEDMAX Ltd has proudly reached its £25,000 fundraising target for The Freeman Hospital Heart and Lung Transplant Association( FHLTA), marking a major milestone in the company’s 25th anniversary year.
Through a series of fundraising initiatives over the past year, BEDMAX staff and supporters have gone the extra mile, literally. Hundreds of miles have been walked, dozens more run, and thousands of pounds donated, all in support of the charity’s vital work in funding life-saving transplant care and research.
At the heart of the campaign was a remarkable 400-mile cycle challenge undertaken by Managing Director Tim Smalley, his daughter Matilda Smalley, and Operations Manager Olivia Leyland. The journey began at BEDMAX’s production plant near Andover, stopping at the company’s Nottinghamshire production plant before calling in at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, and finishing at the company’s head office near Belford in Northumberland.
The challenge symbolised both the scale of the fundraising effort and the personal connection behind it.BEDMAX’s chosen charity holds deep significance for the business. Tony Robinson, the company’s Production Development Manager, underwent a life-saving lung transplant at the Freeman Hospital in February 2023 after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
Reflecting on the achievement, Tony Robinson said, “Reaching this £25,000 milestone means a huge amount to me personally. The care I received at the Freeman Hospital quite literally saved my life, and I’ll never forget the support given to both me and my family during that time. To see the whole BEDMAX team and so many of our customers come together to support such an incredible cause is truly humbling. I hope this contribution helps other patients and families going through similar journeys and makes a real difference to the vital work the hospital continues to do.”
The £25,000 raised will go towards supporting patients and families throughout the transplant journey, as well as funding pioneering research to improve outcomes for future transplant recipients.
On receiving the donation, Louise Mclellan (FHLTA) Vice Chairperson (Acting Chair) said: “We wish to extend our gratitude and sincere thanks to all involved at Bedmax. We’ve loved following your year of activities and without the support and efforts from people like you we would be unable to carry out our vital work which gives hope and support to so many people and their families.”
In addition to the headline cycling challenge, BEDMAX employees took part in a wide range of fundraising activities, including the Great North Run, a “Walk Around the World” challenge, and team events demonstrating a company-wide commitment to the cause.
BEDMAX Ltd is a family-run business, producing high-quality bedding for both horses and livestock. Supplying customers through the world, the company has built a reputation for consistent quality and reliability.
Tim Smalley, Managing Director of BEDMAX, said, “We’re incredibly proud to have reached our £25,000 target in our 25th year. This was a true team effort across the business and from our customers, friends, and colleagues, and it reflects just how much Tony’s journey has meant to all of us. Supporting the Freeman Hospital and helping others facing similar challenges has been a real privilege.”
The success of the campaign highlights not only BEDMAX’s commitment to giving back, but also the powerful impact that community, determination, and personal stories can have in driving meaningful change.
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