26th October 2026
Civica’s Days of Difference initiative gave Pre-Sales Consultant Paul Tibbetts the opportunity to take on a fundraising challenge for a cause close to his heart.
Paul cycled more than 150 miles from Cheltenham to Manchester over two days, raising more than £650 for Cots for Tots, which supports the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol and provides free accommodation for families of babies receiving care.
The unit cared for the daughter of Paul’s close friend Vickie after she tragically passed away during childbirth ten years ago.
In recognition of Paul’s efforts, Civica has ensured his target of £750 will be exceeded by matching the money raised (rounded up to £700), meaning the total amount raised currently stands at £1,356.
Paul said: “In 2019 and 2025, I rode from Birmingham to Cheltenham, reflecting the journey Vickie made when she moved there. This year marks the tenth anniversary of her passing and I wanted to do something bigger.
“Using Civica’s Days of Difference gave me the opportunity to take time away from work and spend two days cycling from my home in Cheltenham to our Global All Hands meeting in Manchester.
“I stopped overnight just north of Birmingham before pushing on to Manchester, making it the longest cycling challenge I’ve attempted. At some stages, particularly during the heavy rain, I questioned whether it was a good idea!
“But the ride was all about remembering my very good friend Vickie, celebrating the impact she had on those around her and keeping her memory alive ten years on.”
Paul arrived in Manchester after two days of riding on a mixture of roads, towpaths and off-road sections, just in time for Civica’s Global All Hands meeting, where CEO Lee Perkins shared his story as an example of how colleagues are using their Days of Difference.
If you're able to support the ride with a donation, please click on this link Paul Tibbetts Cots for Tots.
Through Days of Difference, Civica colleagues around the world can take time to support charities, community projects and other causes that matter to them.
We hope even more colleagues will make use of their Days of Difference in 2027, supporting causes they care about and making a positive difference in their communities.