Corps Security has won the Challenge Event of the Year at Third Sector’s Business Charity Awards for its Tour de Corps fundraiser for Combat Stress.
The fundraiser was a 750-mile countrywide cycling tour of all Corps mainland offices, starting on 2023 in Glasgow and concluding in London.
Corps Security won the award because of the intensity of the challenge, and for exceeding its initial £5,000 fundraising target by over double. In seven days, the Torps de Corps cyclists combatted snow and rain to cover 750 miles, at times reaching nearly 10,000m above sea level as they wound their way 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 is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, which supports ex-military men and women with the effects of their service, including trauma and PTSD. The challenge’s 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 entire trip a year in advance – creating an itinerary, training and preparing. All Corps colleagues were welcome to join, and some individuals joined the team 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 a volunteer team of 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. They accepted the award as a tribute to the strong relationship between the two organisations.
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.”
Garry Burns, head of corporate partnerships and events at Combat Stress, added: “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.”
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