The Power of Best Mates

The Power of Best Mates – Standing Together Through Darkness and Light

On Saturday, 18th October, I had the privilege of being the guest speaker, stepping into a room filled with celebration, success, and smiles, yet fully aware that behind every journey, including my own, there are battles the world never sees at a truly special event, the 10th Anniversary Gala for Danielle and Kyle’s business Black Nova Designs. Ten years in business is not just an achievement; it is a statement. It speaks of grit, resilience, loyalty, sacrifice, and vision. And if there is one word that sums both Danielle and Kyle up, it is heart.

This event was not just a celebration of their success; it was a chance to come together in support of the Best Mates charity, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. Being part of this night was not just an honour, it was personal.

Before I share why Best Mates matters so much to me, I want to be clear – this is more than a charity, it is a lifeline.

Why Best Mates Matters

When life hits hard, it is not the titles, money, or status that save you. It is people. Your people. Your best mates. The ones who show up in your darkest hours without asking for explanations. The ones who do not need to say much just stand beside you.

For me, that person has always been Nathen Hole, a friend I met years ago who became more like a brother than a mate.

Nathen has stood by me through more storms than I care to count, two divorces, paralysis, cancer, the loss of both my parents, and the death of my seven-year-old nephew. He has been there when I could barely stand, and I have stood by him through his battles, too. Together we have celebrated the big wins with beers and laughter, and the small wins with a quiet nod that says, “We did that.”

That is what friendship really is, not noise, not crowds, but connection. Yet, here is the hardest truth: many people do not have that one person. That is why Best Mates exists. Because nobody should feel alone in a room full of people. Nobody should believe their struggle does not matter. Nobody should feel they have no one to turn to.

A Night Full of Joy – and Purpose

I remember stepping into the room and being greeted by the kind of energy you cannot fake. There were handshakes that turned into hugs, people laughing from the gut, and stories being shared like old friends around a campfire. I watched Kyle wipe away a tear during the opening speech, the reality of ten years of sacrifice catching up with him in a single moment. Later in the evening, Jeff raised his glass, and the room fell silent as he spoke about loyalty, about the people who stand by you not just in business, but in life. It was raw, honest, and powerful.

The gala was electric. The energy in the room was alive, full of laughter, hugs, reunions, and genuine warmth. It was one of those rare rooms where success did not smell like ego; it smelled like gratitude. I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be and was proud to have Becki there with me, holding my hand, showing me that I am doing okay.

Then I saw Fiona Scott across the room, and instantly felt a sense of calm. Funny how one familiar face can steady you in a crowd. It reminded me again of the night’s theme: we are never truly alone when even one person cares.

Suicide Does Not Look Like Weakness, It Looks Like Silence

As a suicide survivor, I have asked myself many times, how did people like Robin Williams, Ricky Hatton, or R. Budd Dwyer end up believing there was no escape? With all their success, their following, their influence – how did they still feel alone?

Maybe it was expectation. The darkness. Or was it pain that had no language.

That is why I will always stand and speak openly about mental health. Not because it is easy. But because it is necessary.

If You Have Nothing To Say, Be The One To Listen

Not everyone knows what to say when someone is struggling. That is okay. This world does not need more perfect speeches. It needs more people willing to listen without judgment. If you do nothing else, just be there. Show up. Hold space. Listen.

A Quiet Message I Need to Share

In the past few months, I have heard things said about me, things taken out of context, twisted, or simply untrue. But resilience is not built in comfort, it is forged in moments like these. People have judged me based on whispers, assumptions, and moments they were never present for. They look, they comment, they roll their eyes as if they know the full story. But the truth is, what happens behind closed doors can break a person long before the world ever sees the cracks. I know that because I have lived it. There was a night when I sat alone in my attic, a shotgun in my mouth, convinced I had no way out. That moment did not come out of nowhere, it came from being pushed silently and slowly beyond breaking point. That is why I speak, why I stand, and why I refuse to hide my truth. In that darkest moment, when I could not see a way forward, it was Nathan who came to my aid. No judgement. No lecture. Just presence. He showed up, and sometimes that is all it takes to pull someone back from the edge. That moment reminded me why organisations like Best Mates must exist, because not everyone has a Nathan to call. Nobody should face that kind of darkness alone.

(Related read: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones)

But here is the truth, and the reason I will never step back from who I am:

I continue to do what I do. Continue to speak for those who feel unheard. To show up for the people who matter. I continue to get back up.

Because my purpose does not come from approval. It comes from impact. If someone chooses to judge me without knowing me, that is their story. I am busy writing mine.

Final Thoughts

To Best Mates – keep doing what you do. Lives depend on it.

If you would like to support the vital work that Best Mates does for mental health and suicide prevention, visit their page, share their message, or make a donation if you can. Your support could be the reason someone chooses to keep going.

To Danielle and Kyle – thank you for trusting me to be part of your journey and your milestone night. What you have achieved is extraordinary, but what you give back is even more powerful.

And to those reading this – check in on your friends today. Not just the quiet ones. Not just the loud ones. All of them. Because sometimes the strongest people are the ones who hide their battles best.

If you feel you have no one to talk to – message me. I might not have all the answers, but I will always listen.

We rise strongest when we rise together.

And finally to Becki, thank you for giving me something more valuable that any gift, any jewel and any crown. You gave me hope.