The guarding company Corps Security has won the Challenge Event of the Year at Third Sector’s Business Charity Awards for its Tour de Corps fundraiser for the veterans’ support charity Combat Stress. The fundraiser was a 750-mile countrywide cycling tour of all Corps mainland offices, starting on April 23rd 2023 in Glasgow and concluding in London.
Corps Security won the award for the intensity of the challenge, and for exceeding an initial £5,000 fundraising target by over double. In seven days, the Tour de Corps cyclists took on snow and rain besides 750 miles, through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Brecon Beacons. In total, the group raised £11,500 for Corps’ nominated charity, Combat Stress.
Combat Stress supports ex-military men and women with the effects of their service, including trauma and PTSD. The fund-raisers’ main objective was to raise as much money as possible for the charity and bring Corps colleagues together to inspire camaraderie and teamwork.
The team planned their trip a year in advance – creating an itinerary, training and preparing. All Corps colleagues were welcome to join, and some joined for the shorter legs of the challenge. Andy Topp, Rob Hill, Scott Hudson, Carly Bedford, and Dale Johnson all took part in the long journey. They were followed by volunteer drivers, logistics support, and welfare/first aid along the way.
At the awards, Corps commercial manager Scott Hudson, who had completed the entire cycle, and Maggie Mills, corporate fundraiser for Combat Stress were in attendance. Pictured left to right are Scott Hudson, and Maggie Mills, accepting the award with the compere Zoe Lyons.
Andy Topp, sales and marketing director for Corps said, “It is an honour to receive recognition for an incredible effort from the Tour de Corps team. Corps wanted to support the fundraiser as much as possible right from the beginning, providing all accommodation and support to the incredible group of cyclists.
“We were really tested with regular 5am training starts and seven days of tough weather, huge areas covered, and even larger heights reached. This achievement has strengthened our relationship with Combat Stress, and it was an honour to help raise money to save lives.”
And Garry Burns, head of corporate partnerships and events at Combat Stress said: “We’re thrilled that Corps Security’s 1200km cycling challenge has been recognised as the Challenge Event of the Year at the Business Charity Awards 2024. Since our partnership began in 2015, Corps has raised nearly £90,000, supporting veterans’ mental health and highlighting our shared mission to improve the lives of those who have served.”
About Combat Stress
A 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 is available to veterans and their families for confidential mental health advice and support. Online self-guided resources cover mental health difficulties, including: PTSD, depression, anxiety, anger, and alcohol and substance misuse, created by the charity’s clinical specialists, with veterans. Guides are also available for veterans’ families and employers of veterans. Visit https://selfhelp.combatstress.org.uk.
