A BASINGSTOKE man is raising funds to support his mission after Strom Eunice tore through his brand-new trailer, thus jeopardising his community outreach programme.

Mat Mason-Hames, 45, who runs the non-profit company Community Kit Bag, said the trailer was demolished by a falling tree on February 19.

The trailer was purchased recently as part of a programme to take his sports equipment outlet on the road.

READ MORE: Basingstoke man seeks unwanted sports equipment for Community Kit Bag initiative

“The Community Kit Bag was originally set up out of a need for young people to use sport to support their mental health," said Mat, who grew up in Winklebury but now lives in the Haslemere area of Surrey.

"We are all acutely aware that young people are experiencing more mental health-related problems than ever before. We also know that exercise can be a great release and an opportunity to boost mood.

“I train people to become mental health first aiders and this, along with my passion for rugby, created The Community Kit Bag.

“The project has grown quickly over the past 12 months from a table at a sports club, where people could swap their boots, to securing funding to purchase a trailer and take the sports equipment outlet on the road. Along with boot swaps, you can purchase or have donated to you, a sports kit start-up box. This box comes with essentials for starting a specific sport from rugby to football to basketball. Whatever your passion, there is a box to suit. Plus, any money generated from the sale of items, is used to fund free places on mental health training courses, giving back to the community.”

However, Mat says, Storm Eunice had other plans. The trailer was demolished by a falling tree and has now hampered his chances of attending tournaments and other sporting events where young people rely on the equipment he provides to enable them to undertake a sporting activity.

“We are also unable to raise money to provide free MHFA training places as we can’t get on the road.

“The trailer is insured, but we will still need to replace the internal shop fitting, the graphics and cover the excess and that’s where we could use your support.”

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Community Kit Bag have setup a gofundme page and are looking to raise £10,000 to purchase a new trailer and to replace equipment lost in the storm.

If you would like to contribute to Mat’s project, visit gofund.me/739f0d71, or communitykitbag.co.uk

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