Swindon entrepreneurs Carl McCulloch and Jeff Tucker, who helm the recruitment business Trak Employment Solutions, have successfully raised £30,000 to support individuals in the local community facing tough times. The funds were raised through a gruelling cycling challenge from London to Paris, which the duo undertook alongside other dedicated business owners.
The money will be utilised by their newly established charity, Best Mates, to offer vital support and guidance to those in need. Launched in November 2023, Best Mates operates under the heartfelt motto ‘We Got Ya’. The charity’s mission is to match individuals encountering difficult situations with a ‘mate’—someone who has faced a similar challenge and can provide empathetic support and guidance towards recovery. The assistance covers a variety of issues, including mental health, redundancy, financial difficulties, addiction, and illness.
The inspiration for Best Mates stemmed from a personal crisis experienced by Jeff Tucker. When his son was violently attacked, it plunged the young man into profound depression. Although his son has since recovered, the incident had a lasting impact on Jeff, prompting him to ‘give back’ and assist others in crisis.
Jeff reflected, “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.”
Motivated by this experience, Carl and Jeff have developed a system that extends beyond individual support to benefit the wider community. Their charitable services are integrated into Trak Employment Solutions, emphasising employee welfare both within Trak and for its clients.
Carl commented, “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.”
In a show of their commitment to Best Mates, Carl and Jeff, accompanied by twelve other business owners and friends, completed the 305-mile bike ride from London to Paris over four challenging days.
Jeff added, “This challenge was significant and on the last day we cycled into Paris in 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 Best Mates or contact Trak Employment Solutions at 01793 613813.
