At Quest we’re big fans of philanthropy docu-soap Secret Millionaire and last night’s episode was even more of a must-watch with local lad done good (and friend of the company) Carl Hopkins. His week-long stay in rundown Easington, County Durham resulted in around £35,000 in gifts to three worthy causes mainly focused on providing activities for the town’s young people.

The programme is the latest in the ‘democratisation’ of business television joining the ranks of Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice in bringing the world of commerce into the living rooms of the general public. As a mainly business-to-business and corporate PR agency, it offers us a powerful opportunity to raise the profile of our clients above the business pages and trade magazines that are so important in driving awareness among their potential clients and peers. For those happy to embrace the ‘millionaire’ tag it is a rare opportunity for a successful entrepreneur to show their more emotional side and generate wider PR – something which Carl (ably assisted by his wife Steffi at Faith PR) has maximised in a number of news articles.

While overt displays of charity-giving are frowned upon by some they do still present good news stories for the media and when combined with positive social good can build bridges with a business’ community as well as demonstrating a company’s corporate social responsibility.

So, having secured a screentest for the next series for a client with his own rags-to-riches story, we look forward to making the most of the opportunity to further raise his profile.

As team GB continues its trailblazing Olympic performance, the best in a century, notching up 16 gold medals with the news that Chris Hoy won the men’s sprint final – its great to see Sky and fellow media imbuing us with a ‘feel good’ factor.    

Equally as inspiring as the commitment of Olympians such as Victoria Pendleton and Paul Goodison whose dreams, years of endeavour and stringent discipline are being realised, is Gill Hicks, who lost both her legs in the 7 July 2005 London bombings and whose personal journey since then is as remarkable as the lady herself.

Quest has been proud to secure a wealth of regional and national print and broadcast coverage to profile WALKTALK which comprised Gill’s gutsy 200 plus mile walk from Leeds to London, engaging with people in 23 towns and cities along the way.  

On a mission to bring together people who may otherwise never meet, talk and never walk side-by-side Gill, her husband Joe Kerr (both of M.A.D. for Peace), Zulfi Hussain MBE of Global Promise and the Together for Peace team have melted hearts and bonded communities along the way.    

Their journey’s end at Trafalgar Square was an emotional celebration of courage and tenacity as Gill was greeted by well wishers including the London Ambulance Service whose dedication and determination kept her alive – even when there seemed little hope. One medic said Gill had reinforced his belief that ‘where there is life, there is always hope’.

Gill’s words that: “The power of humanity, the unconditional love that can be exchanged between strangers is based on these real acts that we firmly belief that people can overcome conflict; that each of us a “one unknown” can make a significant difference” certainly put things into perspective as we acknowledge remarkable achievements.