Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently visited Paddy Power in Pitsea where he placed a charity bet on the Grand National for the Craig Tyler Trust, a mental health and suicide prevention charity set up in honour of Craig Tyler.
Stephen Metcalfe visited Paddy Power in Pitsea, last week, to place a bet on the horses ‘Life Ambition’ and ‘Secret Reprieve’. These horses are taking part in the Grand National on 15th April at Aintree Racecourse. All winnings will go to the Craig Tyler Trust.
This comes after Stephen visited the Craig Tyler Trust drop-in centre in Pitsea, last month, to hear from volunteers about the support they provide to individuals and families coping with mental ill-health and the impact of suicide.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “I was very happy to put a bet on the Grand National in aid of the Craig Tyler Trust – a very worthy local charity that helps a lot of people.
I want to thank the Betting and Gaming Council for the invitation and for their support of local charities. Regardless of how my horses do, they will still make a £250 donation, for which I am grateful.
It was also interesting to speak to the staff at Paddy Power about how the shop operates and how they ensure people gamble safely. Gambling is, for many, an enjoyable leisure pursuit, but there are also risks involved. After speaking to the staff, I am confident that they take the issue seriously and do all they can to avoid people becoming involved in problem gambling.”
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, stated: "Millions of people, from all different backgrounds, will be coming together to watch the Grand National and place a bet on the world’s most famous horserace. Betting shops support tens of thousands of jobs, bring vital revenue to the UK’s hard-pressed high streets and support the national and local economies through tax and business rates. They also provide community to millions of betting and gaming fans.
I also want to say a huge thanks to all MPs, including Stephen, who have made the time and effort to meet with their local constituents working in high street shops, for backing so many good causes and local charities, and for promoting the Grand National which remains one of Britain’s biggest and best cultural and sporting events seen around the world”.
Further details:
The Craig Tyler Trust’s bereavement group meets every other Tuesday 6-8pm at The Place, Northlands Pavement, Pitsea, SS13 3DU. The next meeting is on 14 March.
The Trust also has a WhatsApp information service which you can contact on the number: 07749691268
The Trust’s website can be found here: https://www.thecraigtylertrust.co.uk/
