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 people 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 an intense 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.