We are are delighted to share links to articles which have appeared in SME Today and the Swindon Advertiser covering our cycle ride from London to Paris.
Steven Hooper a member of the Cycling team who completed the incredible Tower to Tower Challenge and who works for Cygnet Mental Health Hospital was featured in the Somerset County Gazette.
Well known Swindon entrepreneurs Carl McCulloch and Jeff Tucker, who run recruitment business Trak Employment Solutions, have helped raised £30,000 to support individuals in the Swindon community facing difficult times. They raised the money by cycling from London to Paris along with a group of other committed business owners.
The funds will be used by their new charity, Best Mates, to provide crucial support and guidance to those in need. Launched in November 2023, Best Mates operates under the heartfelt strapline ‘We Got Ya’. The charity’s mission is to offer a unique service by matching individuals encountering tough situations with a ‘mate’—someone who has experienced a similar challenge and can provide empathetic support and guidance toward recovery. Each person needing help is different so the help on offer covers a range of situations, be it Mental Health, Redundancy, Financial, Addiction or Illness, Best Mates aim to support and help get you back on track.
The inspiration for Best Mates came when Jeff’s son was the victim of a violent attack, leaving him in a state of profound depression. Although his son is now in a much better place, this incident had a profound effect on Jeff, leaving him feeling he had to ‘give back’ to help others who might be in a time of crisis.
He said: “It was an awful time in our lives, not knowing what to do, where to turn, and who to get help from. Recovery took longer than it ever should have. Had I had someone to lean on, a more positive path would have presented itself sooner for me and my family.”
Driven by this experience, Carl and Jeff have developed a comprehensive system that extends beyond individual support to benefit the entire community. Their charitable services are now integrated into Trak Employment Solutions, ensuring that employee welfare is even more of a priority both within Trak itself and for the company’s clients.
Carl said: “This initiative allows businesses and their employees throughout the local area to access Best Mates’ support as part of Trak Employment’s comprehensive service offerings. We feel that this is a natural integration and demonstrates deep caring and commitment to wellbeing in our sector.”
Demonstrating their commitment to Best Mates, Carl and Jeff, along with 12 other business owners and friends, completed an arduous 305-mile bike ride from London to Paris over four days.
Jeff said: “This challenge was significant and on the last day we cycled into Paris in the pouring rain. However, none of us wavered and we all crossed the line as we strongly believe in the need for Best Mates and the difference it can make for individuals in our community when they are facing challenges in their lives.”
For more information about Best Mates visit www.bestmates.org or contact Trak Employment Solutions at 01793 613813.
Best Mates Charity is excited to announce the upcoming London to Paris Bike Ride, beginning on Tuesday, June 17th, and concluding in Paris on Friday, June 21st. This significant event, which raises crucial funds for our charitable programs, has been made possible by the generous support of GS Commercials.
Jeff Tucker, Founder of Best Mates Charity, extends his heartfelt thanks to Gavin Sime of GS Commercials for their generous support in lending us a van. This essential vehicle will play a critical role in the logistical operations necessary for an event of this magnitude.
“We are incredibly grateful to Gavin Sime and GS Commercials for their support,” said Jeff Tucker. “The van provided by GS Commercials will be instrumental in transporting equipment, supplies, and providing logistical support for the ride. This kind of support allows us to focus on our mission and ensures the success of our event, directly benefiting the communities we serve.”
Jeff Tucker and Gavin Sime have been lifelong best mates since infant school, and this gesture perfectly embodies the spirit of true friendship. “This is exactly what a best mate does for you,” added Jeff. “Gavin’s willingness to help out in such a big way reminds me of the strength and importance of our bond.”
The London to Paris Bike Ride is a flagship event for Best Mates Charity, raising essential funds for our initiatives such as mental health support, walk n talk sessions, and support for people who are facing troubled times.
GS Commercials, known for their community involvement, has stepped up to support this year’s event. Their contribution highlights the crucial role local businesses play in supporting charitable activities and community events.
For more information about Best Mates Charity and to learn how you can get involved, please visit www.bestmates.org. To learn more about GS Commercials, please visit www.gscommercials.co.uk.
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Media Contact: Jeff Tucker
Founder, Best Mates Charity
Email: jeff.tucker@bestmates.org
Phone: 0300303MATE
About GS Commercials: GS Commercials is a leading provider of commercial vehicles, offering a wide range of services to meet the needs of businesses and organisations. With a strong commitment to community engagement, GS Commercials is proud to support local initiatives and events.
For further information, please visit www.gscommercials.co.uk
Best Mates is thrilled to extend its deepest gratitude to Magic Touch Promotions for their generous sponsorship and unwavering support. The event, starting on 18th June 2024 and running until 21st June 2024 from Tower Bridge to the Eiffel Tower is set to be a remarkable success, largely due to the invaluable contributions from Magic Touch Promotions.
Tower to Tower will unite 15 cyclists and supporters from all walks of life, all pedalling together to support Best Mates. Taking on around 90 miles per day, the cyclists will all face different challenges.
Magic Touch Promotions’ Generous Contribution
Magic Touch Promotions played a pivotal role in the success of the Charity Bike Ride. Their sponsorship included:
“We are incredibly grateful to Magic Touch Promotions for their generous sponsorship and support of the Charity Bike Ride,” said Carl McCulloch. CEO and Co-Founder at Best Mates. “Their commitment to our cause has made a significant impact, and we are thrilled to have partnered with a company that shares our vision for making a positive difference in the community.”
About Magic Touch Promotions
Magic Touch Promotions is a leading company offer a wide range of clothing, workwear and promotional gifts that can be branded for your business. They pride themselves on excellent customer service as well as saving you time and money, all whilst not compromising on quality.
With in-house embroidery and printing machines, they have greater control over quality and lead times. Whilst they endeavour to keep production local, they can source their products from all over the world to get the best prices for you.
Their customers range from large blue-chip companies to local builders’ merchants. So whether you need 100 branded ballpens or 10,000 branded polo shirts, Magic Touch Promotions will be able to supply the products you need – on time, every time.
About Tower to Tower
The Charity Bike Ride is an annual event organized by Best Mates to raise funds and awareness for mental health, addiction, grief, debt, unemployment and crisis intervention. The event brings together cyclists of all levels to enjoy a week of fitness, fun, and philanthropy.
Jeff Tucker speaks to workingdads.co.uk about how he and his friends set up Best Mates, a charity to match people who are going through difficult times up with those who already know the terrain.
Today, Best Mates Carl and Jeff headed out to support their friends at the EBC Games 2024. The event was a fantastic showcase of camaraderie, teamwork, and fitness, bringing together a community dedicated to pushing their limits and achieving new heights.
From intense competitions to shared moments of encouragement, the spirit of the games was palpable. Carl and Jeff were thrilled to be part of this incredible day, cheering on their friends and celebrating every victory, big and small.
We want to extend a massive thanks to everyone involved in making the EBC Games 2024 a success. Your support means the world to us at Best Mates. Together, we embody the spirit of friendship and mutual support that defines our community.
#wegotya
For more stories of friendship and support, stay tuned to Best Mates.
We are delighted to announce the sponsorship from Paratus Group of the upcoming Tower to Tower Bike Ride. The event, set to take place from 18th to 21st June 2024 aims to raise funds and awareness for Best Mates – wegotya
The Annual Charity Bike Ride will hopefully become a staple in the calendar for many years to come, and in its first year is already attracting participants of all ages and skill levels. This year, with Paratus Group as the main sponsor, we look to set the bar for events to come.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Annual Charity Bike Ride as the main sponsor,” said Duncan Ross of Paratus Group. “This event not only promotes health and wellness but also supports a cause that aligns with our company values. We look forward to contributing to its success and making a positive impact in our community.”
As the main sponsor, Paratus Group’s support will be instrumental in covering event costs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Additionally, Paratus Group employee will be actively participating in the ride, demonstrating the company’s commitment to community engagement and philanthropy.
“We are incredibly grateful to Paratus Group for their generous sponsorship,” Carl McCulloch, CEO and Co0-Founder of Best mates. “Their support will allow us to enhance the event and ultimately provide more resources to those in need. We are excited to work together to make this year’s bike ride both successful and enjoyable.
The bike ride will feature a challenging route over 4 days of cycling from The Tower of London to The Eiffel Tower in Paris. Each day will see an average of 85 miles ridden through towns, villages and countryside, before heading not Paris on the 21st June.
Registration for the Annual Charity Bike Ride is now full but if you are keen to take part in 2025, please drop us an email, corinne.paul@bestmates.org or visit our website and contact us through there www.bestmates.org.
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or to make a donation, please visit www.bestmates.org or contact Corinne Paul at corinne.paul@bestmates.org or call us on 0300 303 6823
About Paratus Group
Paratus Group is an insurance group focused on decarbonisation by accelerating the transition to renewable energy and sustainable fuels. We partner with corporate clients to mitigate price volatility, P&L and balance sheet risk, to protect revenue and stabilise cashflow to better enable the allocation of capital into further renewable power projects and sustainability in the transition fuels industry.
Our effective and transparently-priced insurance policies are designed to settle by paying a predefined claim amount. The cash settlement is paid automatically.
The policy removes the need to deal with costly, complex, time-consuming and often opaque traditional hedging products.
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