Charity News

100KM Challenge on Vibe

100KM Challenge on Vibe

The Best Mates team speak to Vibe FM about the 100KM challenge

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Great Coverage in SME Today and Swindon Advertiser

Great Coverage in SME Today and Swindon Advertiser

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.

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Best Mates Feature on Somerset County Gazette

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.

Click here to view the full article >>

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Local Businessmen Raise £30,000 For Their Community Charity Best Mates

Local Businessmen Raise £30,000 For Their Community Charity Best Mates

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.

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Best Mates Charity Thanks GS Commercials for Supporting the London to Paris Bike Ride

Best Mates Charity Thanks GS Commercials for Supporting the London to Paris Bike Ride

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

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Best Mates – wegotya Extends Heartfelt Thanks to Magic Touch Promotions for Sponsoring the Charity Bike Ride

Best Mates – wegotya Extends Heartfelt Thanks to Magic Touch Promotions for Sponsoring the Charity Bike Ride

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:

  • Financial Support: Covering essential event expenses, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.
  • Branding and Marketing: Enhancing event visibility through extensive promotion and branding efforts, helping to attract a larger audience and raise more funds for the cause.

“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.

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A Day of Friendship and Fitness at the EBC Games 2024

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.

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Best Mates – We Got Ya Launch Party: 25th April 2024

Best Mates – We Got Ya Launch Party: 25th April 2024

Lights, Laughter, and Memories

We’re thrilled to share the amazing photos from the Best Mates Launch Party! Each moment captured is a testament to the joy and camaraderie that filled the evening. The feedback we’ve received since the event has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re grateful for all the highlights shared by those who attended and the support from those who couldn’t make it. The reach of the night was phenomenal, introducing Best Mates to many new faces.

Getting in front of the right people is crucial to our success in making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for being part of this fantastic journey with us! Follow us for updates and support us on our mission.

An Unforgettable Evening

Time flies when you’re reminiscing about an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, support, and generosity. Thanks to all of you, we raised an incredible £26,000! This amount means the world to us and speaks volumes about the impact we can make together. With this funding, we’re empowered to continue our mission of supporting those who need it most. Your contributions are truly changing lives and spreading hope.

Thank you for being part of something so special!

For more updates and to continue supporting our mission, follow us on our socials and website.

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Walk N Talk Wednesdays

Walk N Talk Wednesdays

Due to the incredible success of the past two weeks, we’re thrilled to announce that Walk n’ Talk Wednesdays at Coate Water will now be a weekly event! Join us every Wednesday at 6pm for another dose of energising walks and engaging conversations. With your continued support, we’re making midweek evenings something to look forward to! See you there!

Drop Ian a message to confirm if you are coming 07713 275643

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